Billie Varnon

Billie Gwyndolin Varnon, known to nearly everyone as Nan, passed peacefully in the home she loved on August 6, 2026, surrounded by her two children.

Celebration of life services for Billie will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, August 17, 2026, at the Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Kathy Varnon, eulogizing Billie's service. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Viewing for Billie will be from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, on Saturday, August 15, 2026 and 1:00 – 8:00 PM, Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the funeral home. 

Born in Shamrock, Texas, in 1939, Nan spent much of her early life moving from place to place as an Air Force wife before eventually laying down roots in Liberty, Missouri. The oldest of three children, she carried with her a fiercely independent spirit, a creative soul, and an undeniable sense of flair.

After graduating from cosmetology school, she owned and operated her own beauty shop, turning her talent and creativity into a life of her own. Even after she closed up shop, she maintained her role as the family beautician, giving all the grandkids their first haircuts and trimming what little hair Papa had left.

But Nan’s creativity was never confined to the salon chair. She was an artist at heart and found solace in painting and creating gorgeous floral arrangements.

Nan’s unique spirit carried into everything she did. From the ever so specific way she backcombed and sprayed her hair, to the ceramic roosters and birds that filled her home, to the unmistakable Oscar de la Renta perfume that had a permanent place in her medicine cabinet, she always had a way of making everything distinctly her own. Add in her sweet as honey Southern drawl, and there was truly no one quite like Nan.

And then there was her food. Nan’s cooking was a taste of home. Her dishes filled every holiday table, and she had a way of turning every meal into something worth looking forward to. She knew how to turn just about anything into a mouthwatering treat, and somehow, whatever was on Nan’s plate always tasted better.

Nan always knew when her granddaughter Liz had been over, flipping the cow magnet upside down to let her know she was there. We’d like to think Nan will keep the cow flipped to remind us she is still here too.

Nan will be reunited with husband of 57 years, David G. Varnon, and the unbreakable bond that was Nan and Papa will be restored. She will also be welcomed home by her parents, Mary G. Clay-Andrews and Bradford Clay; sister, Janice Hollon; and brother, Claude Clay.

She leaves behind her son, David G. Varnon, II and his wife Kathryn; daughter, Rhonda L. Ray; three grandchildren, David W. Varnon, Elizabeth (Liz) A. Hennessey (Christopher J. Hennessey), Samantha “Priss” Ray (Nathaniel W. Titterington); and two great-grandchildren, Landon L. Ray and Zane A. Ongarato-Ray.

Until next time, Ta-Ta!