Geraldine Pate "Gerri" Varnum

Geraldine Pate "Gerri" Varnum, age 87 passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at her home. A graveside memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the Leslie City Cemetery. Brother Troy Fripp will officiate the service. The family will greet friends following the service at 113 Lynview Drive in Americus. Gerri was born October 11, 1937 in Fort Valley, GA. She was the daughter of the late Thomas Pate Sr. and the late Inez Bailey Pate. She owned and operated Gerri's Trash and Treasure for many years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother. She was a member of Faith Baptist Church formally in Americus. Survivors include her daughter Ann Varnum of Americus; four sons and daughters-in-law, Charles Varnum, Jr. (Shawn) of Plains, Bobby Varnum (Sheila) of Americus, Matthew Varnum (Shanna) of Evans, GA and Devon Varnum (Shelby) of Juliette, GA. Two sisters, Pansy Bowman, Mary Green and a brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie Pate (Vickie) and sister-in-law Linda Harrod. Gerri is also survived by ten grandchildren, Brandi Brunson (Heather), Charley Varnum, Gene Young (Angie), Josh Young (Blair) Shona Patterson (Bobby), Brandon Young (Savannah), Lindsay Bearden (Robert), Mallory Udick, Christopher Daniel and Cameron Udick (Kristen); seventeen great grandchildren, Taylor Brunson, Piper Slagle, Michael Varnum, Charlie Belle Warren, Chandler Young, Kasidi Young, Zoey Young, Tyler Young, Kipton Young, Axl Young, Maverick Young, Mila Young, Lily Bearden, Link Bearden, Bryce Lawson, Mya Lawson, Tamsyn Udick and two great, great, grandchildren Daniel and Colton Varnum. In addition to her parents Gerri was preceded in death by her husband Charles J. Varnum, Sr., a sister, Myrtise Felker, two brothers, Thomas Pate, Jr., Roger Dale Pate and a grandson Cole Varnum. Memorial contribution may be made to The Cole Varnum Agency 109 Lynview Drive Americus, GA 31709.