Birth Date: 10/07/1933
Deceased Date: 01/29/2024
Victorine (Vicky) Shehdan Varner of Smithfield, NC, passed away January 29, 2024. She was the widow of Al Varner. Growing up in Raleigh, her parents were the late Beshara and Serina Shehdan where she graduated from Sacred Heart Cathedral School. Vicky was the Director of the Short Journey Retreat Center in Smithfield for 11 years and retired in 1997.
The family will receive visitors at Parrish Funeral Home on Sunday February 11, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will be held on Monday February 12, 2024 at 1:00 PM at St. Ann Catholic Church in Clayton. Burial will follow the mass in Sunset Memorial Park.
Vicky was a devout and very active member of St. Ann Catholic Church supporting its growth from the “little blue church” off Market Street to its present day multi acre location. She was a past president of the Pastorial Council, was a past president and treasurer of the St. Ann Ladies Guild, and a charter member of the choir.
She and her late husband, Al, were instrumental in starting the food pantry at St. Ann. This pantry has grown to become a significant ministry in Johnston County, serving over 350 families a month with essential nutrition.
Vicky was also a past charter member of the Johnston County Choral Society where she and the chorus performed at the White House for President Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan during the National Prayer Breakfast.
She lived in Rose Manor at the same residence for 56 years surrounded by her beautiful hydrangea gardens. She was an active member of the Rose Manor Garden Club.
She is survived by three sons and a daughter: Mitch and Kathee Varner of Charlotte, Glenn and Kim Varner of Alpharetta, GA, Cindy and Paul Baddour of Fuquay-Varina, and Gregg Varner of Smithfield. Six grandchildren: Russell and Allison (son and daughter of Mitch), Courtney and Caitlin (daughters of Glenn), Christopher and Emily (son and daughter of Cindy). Two great grandchildren: Isla (daughter of Russell) and Landon (son of Emily). She is preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters.
Memorial gifts may be sent to either the St. Ann Catholic Church, Building Fund, 4057 US Highway 70 Business West, Clayton, NC 27520 or SECU Hospice House (Johnston Health Foundation PO Box 1376 Smithfield, NC 27577 Attn: Hospice Fund).
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at Parrishfh.com
