Daphine Smith Varden

Daphine (Smith) Varden, 75, of Lineville died Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Clay County Hospital, in Ashland after losing a long battle with cancer. She was born on February 2, 1942 in Jemison, AL, daughter of the late Mr. Marvin Smith and the late Mrs. Vassie (Ray) Smith. She worked for over 30 years at Aetna/Travelers Insurance Company in Birmingham and then Atlanta before retiring to nearby Lake Wedowee in Lineville, AL. At the age of 42, she enrolled in college and completed her degree in Legal Studies at Samford University in Birmingham. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing the piano in church and spending time with her family. Preceded in death by her late husband, Herman L Varden; Brother and Sister in Law, David and Donna Smith; Brother in Law, Michael Stowe. Surviving are 2 Sons, Christopher (Birgit) Varden of Jemison, AL, Todd Varden of Lineville, AL; Daughter, Kellie (Dr. Steve) Shapiro of New Fairfield, CT; 4 Grandchildren, Chris Varden, Samantha and Max Shapiro and Kaylee Varden; 2 Sisters, Diane (Cecil) Melton, Delores (late Michael) Stowe; 5 Nieces and 3 Nephews. Friends will be received from 1pm - 2pm, Friday, December 22, 2017 at Mars Hill Baptist Church in Jemison, AL. Services will be held Friday, December 22, 2017, at 2:00 pm at Mars Hill Baptist Church with Rev. William Short officiating and Rev. Danny Scott singing. Flowers provided by Clanton Florist. Interment will follow in Mars Hill Baptist Cemetery, Jemison, AL. Martin Funeral Home directing. You may leave online condolences on the guest registry at www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com. In lieu of flowers or sending food, the family suggest mailing donations in honor of Mrs. Daphine (Dee) Varden to the Mars Hill Baptist Church at 4301 County Road 42W, Jemison, AL 35085. The church has remained generous and kind to the Smith/Varden family years after they were unable to attend services. Mrs. Varden always had a special place in her heart for her hometown church family. There will be a "Homecoming/Celebration of her Life" held at 6:30pm on February 2, 2018 at Bethel United Methodist Church, 141 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, Connecticut 06801. Rev. John Parille officiating.