Sherry Lynn (Jeffares) Varnes, age 59, of Lavonia, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2023, at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens.

She was born April 13, 1964 in Atlanta, the daughter of Wanda Keahey Haygood and the late Jimmy Lee Jeffares. Sherry was a para-professional with Franklin County Schools and previously worked for Auto Zone Distribution Center for many years. She was a member of Community Harvest Church in Carnesville. Sherry will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and Nanny.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband: Karl A. Varnes; daughter & son in-law: Elaine & Kevin White; son & daughter-in-law: Robert & Samantha Varnes; step-mother & friend: Betty Jean Jeffares; grandchildren: Landon Alewine, Brandon Alewine, MaryBeth White, Wyatt Varnes, EmmaKate White, Kace White, and Colton Alewine; siblings: Kenny Jeffares (Susan), Rodney Jeffares (Kelly), Crystal Preffer (Kenneth), & Pam Shelton (Steve); and several nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own children. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by an infant brother: Tony Jeffares.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 15, 2023 at the chapel of Strickland Funeral home with Rev Tim Bennett officiating. Burial will follow in Franklin Memorial Gardens – North. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested, in honor of her battle with cancer and her love of children, to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.