Minnie Ruth Bradford was born May 10, 1931, to Leanna Dixon and William Bradford in Goodwater, Alabama. She attended school there later receiving her certificate of completion.
Minnie loved the Lord and was baptized at a young age accepting Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was a faithful member of Saint Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout her trials and frustrations, she turned to the Lord, finding balance through He who strengthened her. She interceded for her family and always told them to place their burdens on to the Lord.
On April 26, 1951, she met and married Clyde Varner. After marrying, Minnie and her husband came to Ohio, and to this union 6 children were born.
Minnie was a wonderful homemaker; tending to her home, husband, and children had filled her heart with joy. She especially loved to cook for them. One of her specialties was baking – caramel cakes, coconut cakes, and sweet potato pie. In her free time, she could be found tending to her garden. She was very conscious of the environment and was a green thumb to the community. Minnie was a quiet person, but she endured much with grace.
Her compassion and storytelling will be missed by all who loved her. She was welcomed into her everlasting home on November 23, 2022.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Varner, Sr.; son, Clyde Jr.; and daughter, Rhonda Varner.
Left to cherish her memory, her children, Delores Varner, Karen (Woody) Williams, Kimberly Varner-Copeland, Keith Varner, and Dennis Young; sister, Bessie Beasley; grandchildren, Damon Respress, Brandon Respress, Nathan Hill Jr., Kiara Williamson, Brian Hill, Keith Jr., Elijah Varner, Isaiah Varner, and Chenelle Varner; nephews, Byron Beasley, Gregory Beasley, and Eric Beasley; 17 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of friends, and family.