Harvey Varner Sr

After a brief illness, Harvey Varner, Sr. passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Hackensack University Medical Center. Harvey was born on August 29, 1934 to the late Will and Sarah (Louisiana) Varner in Opelika, Alabama. He graduated from Darden High School and was accepted into North Carolina A&T State University but was drafted into the U.S. Army. During his time of service, he met Willa Mae Grimes of Springfield, Tennessee. They were united in marriage on August 11, 1956. From that 68 year union, they had 4 precious children, Harvey Jr., Kenneth, Cathy, and Carol. He was a hard working husband and father, retiring from New Jersey Transit after over more than 30 years of service. On May 12, 1974, Harvey dedicated his life to his loving God, Jehovah, along with his wife Willa. At the time of his passing, he was serving as an elder of the Central Englewood Congregation and had previously served in the Teaneck Westside Congregation. Harvey was well known for the example he set in the field ministry, teaching others about Jehovah, his love of family and and the spiritual guidance he provided. Despite his health, Harvey could be found writing letters to neighbors and others, professing his belief and love for Jehovah’s promises of a better future for all. He enjoyed sharing scriptures such as Matthew 6:33, “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.” He will be missed but remembered for his spontaneous trips with his wife to the Caribbean, his story telling and who can forget his deep voice! Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Willa, sons, Harvey Jr., Kenneth (wife Myrna), daughters, Cathy Brown (husband Dana) and Carol Favor (late husband Curtis); granddaughters, Latasha Varner, Candice Moore (Will), Charlene Stokes, Mariah Gbate (Selom)and Naomi Varner (Corry); 10 great-grandchildren; siblings Virginia DePina (Domingo), Walter (Delores), Annie, Julia McFarlane (late husband Kenneth) and surrogate siblings Bill and Ann Davis, along with a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends and spiritual brothers & sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Will and Louisiana Varner, surrogate parents, W.C. & Francis Davis; siblings John Will, Benjamin Varner, Charles Varner, Ollie Mae Dixon, Will Alice Kelly, Dr. Samuel Varner, Eartha Varner, and his beloved aunt, Josephine (Josie) Wilson. Family and friends are invited to visit on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 10 am -12 pm at Volk Leber Funeral Home, 789 Teaneck Road, Teaneck. NJ. A funeral service will be held at 12 pm at the funeral home. Interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ. For more information or to visit Harvey's tribute page, please visit www.volkleber.com

Harvey Varner Sr

August 29, 1934 - April 23, 2024