Hilda Joyce Banes Varner

Hilda Joyce Banes Varner, age 76, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family Friday June 26, 2026. Visitation will be from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on Tuesday June 30, 2026, at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m.

Hilda was born July 23, 1949, to the late Henry Vernon Banes and Mary Rhodes Banes. She grew up in a Christian home and gave her life to Jesus at an early age. Throughout her life she loved to share her love for her Savior with everyone she met.

She married her high school sweetheart William Larry Varner on July 19, 1968. Together they shared many wonderful years of marriage before he preceded her in death January 2019.

She enjoyed working in her yard, often saying that the time outdoors was where much of her praying was done. She loved reading, playing piano, painting and doing her daily sudoku puzzle. She was a very active member of Shiloh Church as long as her health allowed. In recent years she enjoyed spending her Sunday mornings streaming church services online.

Her greatest joy was spending time with friends and family, particularly her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. She loved to support her grandchildren by attending recitals, school and church programs, sporting events and anything else in which they participated.

She spent her life working hard, taking care of others and doing her best to make everyone around her feel loved. She loved deeply, gave freely and always put others before herself. She will be deeply missed and fond memories will forever be cherished by those who knew her.

Hilda is survived by her daughter, Shellie Varner Breland, son-in-law Louis J. Breland and grandchildren Jillian and William Breland. She also leaves behind brothers Eugene Banes (Elsie), Doug Banes (Connie), Irvin Banes (Barbara), sister Annette Denton (Clark), Brother -in-love Ted Varner (Katherine) and numerous nephews and nieces.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Jackson Oncology, Dr. Justin Baker, Lori Brent, and Vital Caring Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Hilda. They request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or the American Cancer Society.