Nita Hensley Varner

Nita Hensley Varner, 87, of Asheville, died on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at the WNC Baptist Home.

She worked 27 years at Square D. before retiring and had a side job of sewing and alterations. She had an accident that left her bedridden for 12 years as a quadriplegic with her strong faith in Jesus that sustained her. She was witty, loving, caring and generous, always having chocolate and chips for the staff who loved her like family. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Elihu Varner.

She is survived by her sister, Julia Ann Hensley Hawkins and her son, David Roscoe Hawkins and wife Mary, and their sons Brandon Hawkins and Drew Hawkins.

She is survived by three daughters, Cynthia Joanne Varner, Jean Varner Arrowood and husband Timothy, and Jane Varner Hipps and husband Jack. She is also survived by loving, devoted grandchildren: first granddaughter, Kristy Talton and husband Will, second granddaughter, Stephanie Arrowood Hottelier and husband Robin from Switzerland, first grandson, Daniel Nevada Varner, third granddaughter, Rachel Lauren Hipps, and second grandson, Adam Wesley Hipps.

She is also survived by great-granddaughter Hailey Renee Wallace and husband Bryan, and great-grandson Kyle Christian Couch from Chicago. Additionally, she is survived by great-great-grandson, Pierson Brody Varner, and Kameron.

A celebration of life service will be at the home of Jack and Jane Hipps, Thursday June 20 at 4:00 p.m., followed by hotdogs and ice cream sundaes, her favorites!

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the backpack program at Sand Hill-Venable School, 154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.

Groce Funeral Home Patton Avenue is assisting the family.