Eflan MCGRAW - VARNADO

Celebrating the Life and Legacy

of

"Eflan N. McGraw-Varnado"

Our Sweet Heavenly Angel

Golden Path of Life from

Sunrise to Sunset

November 24, 1937 - March 20, 2018

Wake Service

Golden Gate Funeral Home Chapel

4155 South R.L. Thornton Freeway

Dallas, Texas 75224

-

Time: 6:00pm - 7:00 p.m.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Opening:

Master of Ceremony/Greetings: Pearl B. Varnado

Prayer:  Elder Jessie Lee Marcus Varnado

Scripture:  Minister Lester McGraw

Special Remarks:  Chaplin Alfred Thompson, Potter's House Ministry

Family Remarks: Dinah Goodspeed and Pauline McGraw

Family and Friends Expressions /Tributes: 2 Minutes please

Inspirational Poem/Song: Angela Varnado

Gospel Praise Dance: Jessiona Varnado

Family Tribute:  Varnado Grandchildren (A'jani Varnado-Turner / David D. Varnado)

Words of Exaltation: Pastor Jessie Marcus Varnado / Minister Lester McGraw

Family Host:  Angela M. Varnado

Closing Prayer:  Elders/Family Members

Mother Eflan N. McGraw Varnado Life’s Journey

Mother Eflan N. McGraw-Varnado, was born on November 24, 1937, in Canfield, Arkansas, to the late Pastor George W. McGraw Sr. and Pearlie Mae Ferguson-McGraw.

Mother Varnado accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as a teenager in Bunkie, LA at a church revival. As a Woman of God, she lived a Holy life and upheld righteousness throughout her 80 year life journey.

As a dedicated eldest child and daughter, she was her Mother’s right hand and best friend, and was adored by her Father, who cherished her as a very respectful and genuinely good daughter.

While pursuing her education, during the 1950's and 1960's, Eflan attended Peabody High School in Alexandria, LA. As a young adult, she landed a job at the Alexandria Airport, in addition she was a loving caregiver, who took special care of various families children, including her family members.

Eventually, Eflan became a wife and mother of her own after marrying Elder Jessie Lee Varnado and to their union had four children, Jessie L. Marcus, Angela, David and Pearl, while residing in Dallas, Texas for more than 30 years.

Mother Eflan Varnado "Mom" was a pillar within the ministry and community as well.

She gracefully impacted many souls as the First Lady and Co-Pastor of several churches, starting out at Wayside COGIC, in Rowlett, TX. The ministry expanded, whereby she served at two churches, Trinity Temple COGIC in Gainesville, TX and later King of Glory COGIC in Dallas, TX. Eventually, a new church was built in Dallas, TX, named Holy Master's- Healing Temple COGIC in Dallas, Texas.

Her dedication to serving the Lord continued as a member of Trumpet in Zion/ACI Ministries in Little Rock, AR and attending the Potter's House Church of Dallas, Texas for several years along with her daughter Pearl.

Prior years, she served within her Father's two C.OG.I.C. churches in Domino, TX and Texarkana, TX.

God gave her a gift of imparting and this she did faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, women’s ministry chairperson, and district missionary in Dallas. Mother Varnado blessed our souls with her angelic and eloquent voice of praise, which a favorite song, "You have No Parking Place Here", was often requested. She lead many songs with her children at various church meetings. She would also play a few tunes on the piano and pick the guitar with her own melodies.

As an entrepreneurer, she was co-owner of a family home-based business, for more than 10 years, exemplifying professional business etiquette while handling both residential and commercial clients.

Continuing to follow her dreams, she earned her diploma with honors at Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock, AR.

In her spare time, she honed in on her creative skills by sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She hand made several quilts, dresses, sweaters and scarves. As a Queen, most of her creations accented her signature hats and suits, that she wore with elegance and style.

Mother Varnado was an avid reader and loved writing poems or even taking notes of special occasion or events accomodated with scriptures, which leaves us with so many memories of her expressions throughout her life.

Another  passion was traveling where she took several road trips with her family, which included a vacation with daughter Pearl to Atlanta GA, two days later traveling to Houston, TX and enjoying the beach in Galveston, TX.

In 2009, her youngest son David, grandson Dave jr. and daughter Pearl took a family vacation traveling to the east coast and making tourist stops in Washington DC, Baltimore, MD, Deleware, and New York City where she really enjoyed strolling downtown in Manhattan.  On the way home we viewed sites in Jersey City, Philidelphia, PA, Knoxville and Nashville, TN. According to her own words, it was a trip to remember and she really loved it.

August 2011, Mother Varnado was excited to join her family, Pearl and two eldest children Angie and Mark and Grandchildren, A'Jani, Jessiona, Ja'Vonte, Arianna and Amari...during a trip to San Diego, CA for a family reunion, along with her brother Tyrone and guests, passing through cities such as Phoenix, AZ and El Paso, TX.  She admired the beautiful mountains along the way. Her smile was indicative of the happiness of being with her family.

Our Mother, Eflan, also was a great cook, known for her rice puddings, peach cobbler, 3-layer cakes and various home cooked dinners. For her childrens birthdays, she expressed her love by creating from scratch her specialty heart shaped birthday cakes with homemade icing, usually pink for the girls and blue for the boys.

As a strong supporter of her children and grandchildren and other family members achievements, she ensured to be in attendance at their graduations, award ceremonies, talent/fashion shows, career functions and even being key adviser in busienss ventures.

Anyone who came in contact with Eflan felt her warm, gentle, and loving spirit.  Many instantly called our Mother, "Momma" as if she was their own because of her caring and nurturing ways. Even Pastors and leaders of various backgrounds respected her as being a very wise Woman of God.

We truly have been blessed with a phenomenal Mother, Grandmother, Great Grand Mother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin who has taught us righteousness through her walk. She demonstrated and taught us to pray, have strong faith, values and courage. She was the most caring, attentive and generous person one could meet, and willing to do anything to make us happy.  She was a true Saint and loved God and her entire family dearly. We are honored to have such a beautiful Angel to cherish!

She is perceded in Glory by her parents:

Pastor/Elder George W. McGraw Sr. and Pearlie Mae Ferguson-McGraw.

Sisters: Everline and Mary McGraw, Brothers: Tyrone and Paul Don McGraw

Our Angel is cherished by her four children: Daughter, Pearl B. Varnado of Coppell /Dallas, TX; Sons, Jessie Lee Marcus Varnado (Net), David D. Varnado (Kierra) both of Dallas, TX, and daughter, Angela M. Varnado of Austin, TX. The Varnado family has expanded with 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Two special cousins: Emma Jean Latchison and Alice Terrell.

Four Siblings:  Brothers George and Lester (Cheryl), Sisters, Pauline and Dinah.

______________________

Poem Dedicated to My Mother

You are the greatest gift that one can ever ask for;

Having you in my life is truly a blessing and an honor;

You've always had a heart filled with kindness and love;

Which confirms that you were an Angel sent from Heaven above;

Because of your prayers and Holy teachings, I am much more grounded;

And while it appears you are away I know it is your spirit that's has me surrounded;

You are the epitome of a Godly woman and lived it day by day;

And you've always had a pure radiance just like a sunray.

I love you and adore you and I always will.

It's been an amazing journey and I will cherish every memory until I see you again.

Love You Always and Forever!

Pearl B. Varnado, Baby Daughter
_________________________________

WE LOVE YOU DEARLY AND WILL CHERISH YOU FOREVER!

THANK YOU GOD FOR OUR WONDERFUL GIFT!

GRANDCHILDREN EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE!

Special Thanks and Appreciation

Acknowledgement Statement of Appreciation:

Our family want to express our gratitude to everyone who have supported us during our time of bereavement. All acts of kindness, prayers, and condolences, words of encouragement, visits, floral arrangements, cards, phone calls, and texts are very much appreciated. We pray that God bless you all for taking time to help us Honor and celebrate our Mother Eflan N. McGraw-Varnado.

Special thanks to the Golden Gate Funeral Home and Marks Funeral Home for all professional services rendered.

We appreciate the Pastors and Ministers of the Potter's House Church of Dallas Grievance Ministry, Glover Memorial COGIC, and Deliverance Temple COGIC, as well staff of Pine Hill CME Cemetery.