Helen G. Varner, Ph.D., 83, passed away on October 5, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. She was born on August 7, 1940 to Robert Patterson, Sr. and M.A. Patterson (née Carrington) in Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated from Ullman High School, earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from University of Alabama at Birmingham, a Masters of Social Work from University of Alabama, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology from Touch of Love Theological Institute, Inc. She worked for VA Medical Center for 45 years. After retirement, Dr. Varner served as community leader of her community, North Smithfield Manor/Greenleaf Heights, working tirelessly and enthusiastically with others to help improve the community.

Dr. Varner is preceded in death by her sister, Willie Mae Maye, and brothers, Robert Patterson, Jr. and Richard Patterson. She is survived by her son, Roderick D. Varner, her daughter, Juanakee (Peter, III) Calhoun of Ashton, Maryland, brother Henry (Burnice) Patterson, grandson, Peter, IV (Danielle) Calhoun, Ashton, Maryland, granddaughter, Alexia Calhoun, Ashton, Maryland, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, October 20, 2023, from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m. at Smith & Gaston Funeral Services, 102 Sixth Avenue SW, Birmingham, AL 35211. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, 1101 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Birmingham, AL 35211 with interment at Elmwood Cemetery and Mausoleum 600 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Birmingham, AL 35211. Smith & Gaston Funeral Services directing.