Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel
912-754-6421 (fax) 912-754-3426
P.O. Box 295
Springfield, GA 31329
PICTURE
Mrs. Pauline "Polly" S. Varnell
Springfield – Mrs. Pauline "Polly" S. Varnell, 92, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at her residence.
Polly was born Pauline Alberta Seckinger on January 31, 1919 in Effingham County to Frank B. Seckinger and Gertrude Exley Seckinger. She graduated from Effingham Academy. While in High School, she met the love of her life, Jimmy Varnell. They were married in the Springfield Methodist Church on September 10, 1937. They lived in Springfield for awhile as Jimmy worked for his father's Springfield Motor Company. In 1939, Jimmy was converted to Christ and later accepted the call from God to preach the gospel. He and Polly had been blessed by the arrival of their first child in 1939. They left their home and family ties in Effingham and began the journey into the itinerant ministry of the Methodist Church.
For forty years they served God together in the churches of South Georgia Methodism. Polly was the consummate pastor's wife and always made the best of every parsonage in which they lived. She was a marvelous mother for her five children, always living a Christian example for them to follow. She gave herself completely to her family, and was a dedicated worker in every church they served. In the three districts Jimmy superintended, Polly was always beloved as she graciously hosted many events. She was an exceptional lady, kind, loving, and compassionate with a never-ending love for nature and the beauty of God's creation. She expressed that love through numerous oil and water color paintings as well as pastel drawings. Her favorite subjects were cardinals, magnolias and camellias, and her family loved all her artwork. Polly lived a great Christian witness and she was loved by all who knew her. She was a member of Springfield United Methodist Church and the Bible Studies Sunday School Class.
She is survived by her five children, Marsha Hilton (Jim); James C. Varnell, III (Peggy); Rev. Richard F. Varnell, Sr., (Jackie); Rev. Benjy Varnell (Mary); and Ronald B. Varnell (Terri). She has thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Raymond E. Seckinger. She has several nieces and nephews.
A service to remember and celebrate Polly's life will be held at the Springfield United Methodist Church on Friday, October 28, 2011 at 11 a.m. The family will receive visitors one hour before the service in the church fellowship hall. Officiating at the service will be The Rev. Dr. Jerry Roe; her sons, The Rev. Ricky Varnell and The Rev. Benjy Varnell; and closing prayer by her son-in-law, Mr. Jim Hilton. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be all current and retired United Methodist Ministers and their spouses and the Bible Studies Sunday School Class.
Burial will follow in the Springfield City Cemetery, with her grandson, The Rev. Jack Varnell presiding.
Memorials may be given to the Springfield United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 237, Springfield, GA 31329, Effingham County Campground Fund, c/o Jason Hinely, 1051 McCall Road, Springfield, GA 31329, or Island Hospice, 100 Brampton Road, Statesboro, GA 30458.
Thomas C. Strickland & Sons
Funeral Home
Effingham Chapel
(912)754-6421