The Life & Legacy of Evelyn Varnado-Joffrion

Evelyn started her life"s journey on February 17, 1949 with the assistance of her parents, Mr. Eado Varnado and Mrs. Jessie Emma Varnado. Her first Spiritual learning was at home with her parents and six siblings. She was the seventh of nine children. At the age of eleven, Evelyn joined Little Bethel Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend/Doctorate Willard Vernon and was baptised. Evelyn was educated in Tangipahoa Parish at West Side Elementary and West Side High in Amite, LA where she enjoyed her early academic experiences. On graduating from West Side, she attended Southern University (Baton Rouge) and graduated in 1971. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education/Geography. In that same year, she was married to Clarence Joffrion and to that union, one son-Jamal was born.

Evelyn was a life-long learner, traveler and a serious follower of Jesus. As a minister of Christ, she has served as a Hostess, an Intercessory Prayer Warrior, Christian Counselor and Youth Teacher. Evelyn has made her election sure by her steadfast walk with Jesus, She lived and taught in four states, touching the lives of young children and teens, " instructing them to always do what was right: "Love and not hate" , "Help someone, not harm them".

Her career as an educator began in Tangipahoa Parish at Amite Elementary in 1971 and continued to New York, Atlanta, New Orleans. and Tulsa, Oklahoma until 2012 when she retired and returned to Amite.

Evelyn is preceded in life by her parents Deacon Eado Varnado and Deaconess Jessie Emma Varnado; two sisters Yvonne Varnado-Milton and Mildred Varnado; brothers Clifton Varnado, John Henry Varnado, and Sytaniel Varnado; one special Aunt Doris and Uncle Felix. She leaves to mourn her passing: One son, Jamal Joffrion, three grandsons (Malachi, Samuel and Daniel Joffrion), 2 brothers Felix Varnado (Angela) of Palm Springs, CA , Alphonse Varnado (Constance) of New Orleans, LA, One Sister, Doralee Salsberry (Thomas) of Montpelier, LA.. three Sisters-In-Love-Helen Holden-Varnado, Lindsey Jackson-Varnado and Debra Tillis- Varnado along with a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, other relatives, acquaintances and friends; One special Caregiver and Friend, Jessie Burns..