Jerry Elaine Varnado Ladner

Jerry Elaine Varnado Ladner, 73, was called to her heavenly resting place at 10:23 A.M. on Saturday, January 12, 2019. She was born in Poplarville, MS, and was the second oldest child of eight children in her family. She is preceded in death by her father, Lowren Clemen "Man" Varnado, of Poplarville, MS, her brother, Lowren Chester Varnado, of Wiggins, MS, and her sister, Reba Jane Varnado Bryant, of Bay Springs, MS. Mrs. Ladner is survived by her mother, Madie Lee Varnado, of Long Beach, MS, brothers, Bob Varnado of Long Beach, MS, Eugene Varnado of West Monroe, LA, and Bill Varnado of Lumberton, MS. Mrs. Ladner's surviving sisters include Mary Louise Varnado Dunn, of West Monroe, LA, and Sarah Beth Varnado Lizana of Lizana, MS. She is survived in death by her High School Sweetheart of 54 years and the father of her three children, Kenneth Ladner, of Dedeaux, MS, her eldest daughter, Leslie Rena Ladner Marin, (William D. Marin), of Saucier, MS, and youngest daughter, Shellie L. Ladner Henderson, (SFC Michael R. Henderson), of Saucier, MS. She is preceded in death by her firstborn son, Kenneth Reese Ladner, of Gulfport, MS, who was also a long-time resident of San Deigo, CA. Though Elaine had three beautiful children of her own, she delighted in the fullness of her growing family which included seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren- all whom she loved very much. Mrs. Ladner was a life-long native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and was a graduate of Harrison Central High School's Class of 1965. Elaine was exceptionally proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who accomplished graduations, maintained careers, reached academic achievement and volunteered for military service. During the summertime, she could often be found at the beach with her grandchildren enjoying nature and making family memories. She could be seen at various High School athletic events in support of her grandchildren, their teams, and local community. Elaine remained her grandchildren's biggest champion to the end. Her youngest grandchild, "Bae Bae", gave Mrs. Ladner the daily encouragement she needed to press onward through her second Cancer diagnosis with hope and a smile until the end. She enjoyed making afghans. She was an accomplished crocheter and seamstress. She loved to cook for her family. She was happiest at family functions and cookouts where she was surrounded by loved ones. Although she will be truly missed, Ms. Ladner's closest family and friends are at peace knowing she was a saved, born-again Christian and on the day she passed, left those who knew her with a plethora of memories by which to remember her. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten. "We love you, Mama!" The visitation will be Friday, January 18, 2019 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a memorial service at 7:00 P.M. in the chapel.