|
Belva Dell (Teri) Varnell, longtime Blackburn area resident, passed away from this life on Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Tulsa at the age of 84. Teri, as she was known by was born at Blackburn on November 2, 1939, to Frank and Thelma (Milam) Ross. She was raised and received her education in Blackburn, and for a short time in Wichita, KS before graduating from. Wichita High School. Teri continued her education at Oklahoma State University where she received a business degree.
On August 28, 1974, she was united in marriage to Dwight Varnell at Miami, OK. They made their home in both Sapulpa and Cleveland before moving to Blackburn in 1994, where they ranched and raised cattle.
Teri worked in payroll for Dun & Bradstreet for many years, finally retiring from Cleveland Home Health a few years ago. Teri loved her family, especially helping with the grandchildren. She enjoyed sporting events, especially basketball and was a big OKC Thunder fan. Going on trips was a special time for her, always coming home with new jewelry. Teri enjoyed cooking for family and friends; and in earlier years, she spent many happy hours playing bingo at different venues.
Those that survive include her daughter Debra Jones and husband Walter of Osage, OK; grandchildren - BriAnne Varnell, Brandon Varnell, Macayla Miller, Darrel Combs, Shawna Holter and Laurissa Varnell, a great granddaughter, who was raised by Dwight and Teri, as were other grandchildren at different times; six great grandchildren Jason, Savannah, Nikyran, Ben, Lincoln and Emerson, and cousins Maxine Mahan and Pauline Moore.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dwight in July of 2022, a son Brian Varnell and a sister Robin "Bo" Bragg.
A memorial graveside service will be held at the Blackburn Cemetery shelter at a later date. Chapman-Black Funeral Home of Cleveland has been entrusted with arrangements and services. www.chapman-black.com