Mildred Dolores Varner

Mildred Dolores Varner, known affectionately to most as “Dee” or “Aunt Red,” passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, December 13, 2025, at the age of 77.

Born on June 3, 1948, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Dee attended Rule High School. She later dedicated 30 years of her career to the restaurant industy, working at Open Kitchen and then Louis on Broadway. Residing in halls crossroads. Dee was a cherished grandmother, devoted mother, and loyal friend whose spirited nature and hardworking ethic left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Dee was fun-loving and found immense joy in being a grandma. She possessed a lifelong passion for fishing and gardening. Her garden was a vibrant testament to her love of the outdoors. She enjoyed canning, yard work, and the classic comfort of The Andy Griffith Show. Over the years, Dee also dedicated herself as a compassionate caretaker to many, offering comfort, support, and tireless attention to those in need. She will be remembered for her resilience, her unwavering support of those she loved, and her wonderful ability to bring life and beauty into the world, whether through a blooming marigold, a homegrown tomato, or a joyful conversation.

Dee was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Sarah; her mother, Onilee; all three of her siblings Joann, Judy “Chris”, and Jerry; and many of her best friends, whom she cherished deeply.

Dee's loving memory will be kept alive by her surviving family, including her devoted daughter, Robin, who cared for her in the last years of her life; her granddaughters, Tori (Aaron), Sofia, and Chelsea; her grandson, David; and her great-grandchildren, Nadiley and Greyson. She leave a legacy of hard work, humor and dedication. We will miss her tremendous but have faith she is waiting for us at the garden in the sky.