Gladys Varnell

Gladys Ruth Varnell, 82, of Keller, Texas died on Thursday, May 8. She was born to the late Carroll and Lucy Payne on Oct. 4, 1931 in Lake Village, Ark. Gladys graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1950 and attended University of Arkansas – Little Rock. She married James B. Varnell in 1950. They were high school sweethearts and never dated anyone else, happily married for 58 years. They lived together in Pine Bluff until 2001, before relocating to Keller. Gladys was a junior high school counselor administrator at both Dial Jr. High and Jack Robey Jr. High, until her retirement in 1986. She was passionate and took great pride in making a difference in the lives of her beloved students. Throughout her life, she was a source of encouragement and humor for many. Her two grandchildren, Walker Adams and Jessica Varnell, both of Keller, were the lights of her life. Gladys was a member of South Side Baptist Church, band booster, choir booster and athletic booster in support of her children and groups. In addition, she actively worked in the family accounting business for over 50 years. She loved to fish, camp, read and travel domestically and globally, especially with James, her late sister, Eve Duffin, and brother-in-law, Vaughn Duffin, of St. George, Utah. Gladys is survived by two children, Debra Adams and Michael Varnell, both of Keller. She is also survived by two grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Mary Beth Varnell; son-in-law, Michael Adams; and many adoring nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to The Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, Texas 75219.