Betty Jo Sheeks Varner, 95 of Kannapolis , North Carolina passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026 at  Best of Care  Assisted Living Kannapolis NC.  She was born in Rowan County NC on April 20,1931 to  the late Harley Grady Sheeks and Sadie Pauline Pethel.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband James, brothers Dr. Bill F Sheeks and Larry D (Butch) Sheeks, Brothers n law Earl Godfrey & Melvin Cook and Sister-n-law Frances Godfrey, and 1 niece Jackie Sheeks.

Those left to cherish her memory are her two children Pamela Varner Wagoner (Barry) and James Richard (Rick) Varner (Susan), 2 grandchildren Kayla Melton Gonzalaz , and Savannah Faith Varner York (Tyler ),one great grandchild Caden Gonzalaz, one brother Tony Sheeks, Sisters-n-law Eleanor Sheeks, Billie Sheeks, Brenda Overcash, and Eunice Cook, 9 nieces & nephews Debra Penninger (Ed), Joey Cook (Cindy), Jolene Crayton (Brian), Cheryl Sheeks Bugg (Perry), Randy Sheeks (Debbie), Cindy Plott, Tonya Sheeks Eury (Tony Jr ), Todd Sheeks, and 20 great nieces & nephews

She graduated from Landis High School in 1949 and worked 51 years in Cannon Mills before retiring to keep her granddaughter Savannah when she was born in 2002. She was a long time member of the Elm St Church of God – later named Kannapolis West A Church of God.  She served her church in many aspects such as, Sunday School Secretary, President of Ladies Ministries, Assisted with Hannah Circle, Group 4 Leader for Funeral dinners, secretary of Young at Heart, decorated the church for all occasions, called & delivered food to shut-ins, and made Chicken & Dumplings for the annual church Bazaar. Other interests and hobbies were decorating and yard work.

Celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday July 7, 2026 at Kannapolis Church of God, with Rev. Demps Overcash and Pastor Greg Sloop officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 4:30 PM at the church. The Celebration of Life Service will follow immediately after at 6:00 PM.

Memorials may be made to Big Elm Ministries through Kannapolis Church of God.

The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Best of Care Retirement Center and the employees of Hospice Kannapolis Hospital for the love and excellent care given to Betty Jo and our family.

Carolina Cremation is assisting the Varner family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.