Lillian Varner Shealey,

Mrs. Lillian Varner Shealey, age 89, formerly of 501 South Street, Roanoke, Alabama, a current resident of Traylor Nursing Home, Roanoke, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2010, at Wedowee Hospital, Wedowee, Alabama.

Public visitation and viewing hours for Mrs. Shealey will be observed on Sunday afternoon from 12:00 noon until 6:00 P.M. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home between the hours of 5:00 pm, and 7:00 p.m.

The Home Going Service will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2010 at 11:00 O'Clock A.M. from Bethel United Methodist Church, 335 Avenue "A" in Roanoke, Alabama with the pastor, Reverend Anthony Sims, officiating. Burial will follow in the East Roanoke Cemetery in Roanoke. Mrs. Shealey will be in state at Bethel United Methodist Church one hour prior to the services on Monday.
   

Lillian Varner Shealey will long be remembered as one of the most beloved teachers to ever grace the halls of Randolph County Schools. Her love and admiration for children and youth transcended the school room and followed her wherever she went, whether in the education setting, in the church, in the community or other...

Lillian Varner was born in Five Points, Chambers County, Alabama on November 30, 1921 to the parentage of the late John Wesley and Annie Maude (Clark) Varner.

She was a proud graduate of the Randolph County Training School, after which she continued her education at Tuskegee Institute, where she graduated in 1946 with a degree in Home Economics. She was a member of the Tuskegee Dance Company and the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir under the direction of the great Dr. William L. Dawson. and later Elementary Education.

In July of 1947, she wed the late Agil Lawrence Shealey, and their union gave rise to three children: Marecia, Julius and Amy Denise Shealey. Years later, she welcomed her beautiful and very special first-born granddaughter, Jamesia, who grew up in her home, and whom she counted as one of her own.

Her love for homemaking shined brightly in her enjoyment of the culinary arts, good food and sewing. She took immense pride in fashioning her own personal wardrobe and that of her children. But ultimately, she found her niche in the province of the Elementary School, where she touched the lives of scores of youngsters, making each one feel very important and special. She devoted her life to the profession of teaching youngsters, which she enthusiastically did. Her skill and passion was teaching the joy of reading. Her love for all types of music was incorporated throughout her teaching. Her teaching career took her to the Randolph County Training School, and Randolph County Elementary school, where she ended her career as an educator after more than 35 years.

As she approached retirement from teaching, she exemplified Godly obedience to the commandment found in the scriptures to "honor thy father and mother that thy days may be long on the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee" by devoting more than 13 years of her life to caring for her aging mother, Mrs. Annie Maude Varner. A loving care-giver, Lillian will be remembered as a loving and devoted daughter, who pampered her mother and showered her with love and affection as she faded.

She was an active and engaged member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Roanoke, where she sang on the choir, and served in many other capacities until declining health would not longer permit.

Lillian Varner Shealey exuded grace, dignity and love for her fellowman throughout her life -- even as she entered into her mature years. She brought sunshine into the lives of everyone she touched, whether they were students, children in and around the community, neighbors or friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents the Varners -- John Wesley and Annie Maude; husband Agil Lawrence Shealey; brothers: James and Howard Varner.

Lillian Varner Shealey took flight from mortal life to immortality on Thursday, January 6, 2011. She was at Wedowee Hospital, Wedowee, Randolph County, Alabama.

A loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and beautiful, youthful spirit, “Lillian” was loved, supported and will be deeply missed by many, but none more than her son, Julius John Shealey of Roanoke, Alabama; daughters, Marecia Shealey of Roanoke, and Amy Denise Shealey Rowland (James) of Akron, Ohio; a devoted daughter-in-law, Jay Shealey of Atlanta, Georgia; one brother, Lewis Varner (Mayme) of Buffalo, New York; and a sister-in-law, Countess Chapman of Roanoke, Alabama. Her legacy lives on through six (6) very special grandchildren, Jamesia Trammell (Lawrence) of Montgomery, Alabama, April Lynn Rowland of Akron, Ohio, Fallon Denise Shealey of Atlanta, Georgia, Ashley Denise Rowland of Akron, Ohio, Shanan Shealey and Tony Lawrence Shealey both of Atlanta, Georgia; and four (4) beloved great-grandchildren, Ashley Jillian Rabb, Micheal A.F. Rabb, Willie Lawrence Trammell, and Alijah Lillian Rowland; two special cousins, Alberta Ester of Roanoke, Alabama and Freda Lindsey of Chicago, Illinois; and finally a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Floral Offerings for Mrs. Shealey will be accepted at Clark Memorial Funeral Services
On Sunday, January 9, 2011, During visitation hours hours

After this time, please deliver all floral arrangements to the Bethel United Methodist Church, Roanoke, Alabama

Send an Electronic Condolence To The Family


 

 

Lillian Varner Shealey Memories
 

Please see links at bottom of page to view Funeral Program, and See Electronic Condolences for Mrs. Shealey