Wilhelmina Roach Varner

Wilhelmina Irene Roach Varner

December 6, 1931 - February 23, 2026

In the beginning. Wilhelmina Irene Roach Varner was born at home in Harlem, New York, on December 6, 1931, to John S. Roach and Pauline (Frederick) Roach. Wilhelmina was the first-born daughter of two immigrants from Dominica and Montserrat, British West Indies, who came to the United States in the early 1920s.

Her faith. Baptized and raised in the Catholic church, Wilhelmina believed in and loved Jesus Christ. Like her praying mother, Wilhelmina prayed to and spoke to the Lord daily. The angels called her home at the age of 94, on February 23, 2026, at Brookdale Olney Assisted Living, in Olney, Maryland. We know that she is in heaven -- healthy, happy, and whole -- with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The early years. When Wilhelmina was three-years-old, she welcomed her little sister and first friend, Helen (Tootie), to the family. Raised in the South Bronx, John and Pauline's two cherubs were known as the "Roach Sisters." The girls were raised to be studious and to stick together. Wilhelmina was strong and always there to protect her sister, especially when little Helen had a few sassy words for the neighborhood kids. Their mother made sure the girls were well dressed and maintained their long, beautiful hair. Pauline also made sure her girls stayed busy with community activities at the local Claremont House Center, where they were introduced to cultural art, music, and African dance.

As a child, Wilhelmina was an avid reader and news buff like her father, who enjoyed reading for education and pleasure. He wanted her to be educated and have a professional career.

Education and career. In January 1950, at the age of 18, Wilhelmina graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School. Armed with a Commercial Diploma, she was determined to establish her independence, become self-sufficient, and fund her love of high fashion.That year, she secured her first position at the State Insurance Fund in the legal department as a stenographer. She excelled at her job and supported several lawyers for six years.

Wilhelmina's career continued at the City College of the City University of New York (CUNY). In 1956, she accepted a position as a library secretarial assistant in the Chief Librarian's office. Over several years, she received multiple promotions, including her final position as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Librarian. Wilhelmina was the consummate professional who took extra care with her work and was highly respected by her supervisors, colleagues, and the students.

Love and family. Wilhelmina met Charles Varner when they were kids in the neighborhood. "Chuck and Willie" were longtime friends who became the apple of one another's eye upon his return home from the U.S. Army. They fell in love and wed on January 24, 1959. Chuck and his bride, whom he affectionately called "Mona Lisa," purchased their first home in 1962 on 215th Street in the Bronx. The couple had three children: two sons, Charles Jr. and John Steven, who both passed away at an early age. They were blessed with their only daughter, Kimberly "Kim" Varner. They were loving parents who prayed for their daughter and ensured her every need was met.

The couple built a wonderful life together. They enjoyed entertaining family and friends in their Bronx and Miami, Florida (snowbird) homes, dancing, and traveling. They took countless stateside and international trips, with cruising being Willie's favorite form of travel.

Chuck was Willie's rock, and she, his devoted helpmate from God. She was strong and steadfast to her "Chuckie" particularly through his respiratory illnesses due to his lengthy career as a firefighter. During Chuck's slow convalescence and recovery, Wilhelmina became aware that she should do something more for herself, which would prepare her to take on more financial responsibility for her family. Between motherhood, a full-time job, and responsibilities at home, she made the key decision to go back to school and found she loved being in the classroom. According to her Fall 1983 class autobiography, she wrote, "The interaction and discussions in class were stimulating. I was quite pleased to be a student again." In May 1985, Wilhelmina obtained a Bachelor of Arts with honors from the College of New Rochelle. One year later, her daughter began her own college journey. After a stellar career, Willie retired from City College in 1992.

Activities. Over the years, some of Willie's memberships and activities in New York included: serving on the Council of Black Faculty and Staff of City College; charter member of the Vulcanettes Society of the New York City Fire Department (for wives of African American firefighters); secretary and member of the Civic Improvement Association of the Northeast Bronx; and the National Council of Negro Women. Chuck and Willie worked hard and obtained a second home as snowbirds in Miami. She volunteered in the library of the Baptist Health Hospital. Willie believed in medical research, so she participated in the Women's Health Initiative and the Sister Study Breast Cancer Research.

A new chapter. After 37 years in their Bronx home, Willie and Chuck spent their final retirement years in Barnegat, New Jersey, which was close to Atlantic City. It was perfect for Willie who enjoyed the slots and for Chuck, blackjack. The beautiful couple enjoyed a 52-year marriage until Chuck passed away in 2011. One year later, Willie decided to move to Silver Spring, Maryland, to live closer to her daughter, Kim; sister, Helen Hendricks; late brother-in-law, Arnold Hendricks; and niece, Karen Hendricks. She enjoyed worshipping at the Inter-Faith Chapel in the Leisure World community. In addition, she was a member of the Leisure World Association for African American Culture, as well as Arts in Motion.

Motivation. In addition to her family, Willie loved many things. Her love for chocolate, Skippy creamy peanut butter, and mints were unmatched! Clothes shopping with her sister Tootie was pure joy and a marathon! Her love for the news remained a constant in her life, as she read the daily newspaper from cover to cover, listened to audiobooks, and kept the channel on MSNBC (MS Now), into her nineties. She appreciated the arts, which included going to plays and musicals, listening to R&B and jazz, and dancing the night away.

Wilhelmina was classy and professional, and quite the character. She was witty and loved to joke and laugh. She had a way of making everyone feel comfortable, loved, and valued, including her daughter's friends, nieces and nephews, and her care team in her final years. With a tender heart, she always encouraged young people to do their best and helped them emotionally and financially, when able. The "Silver Fox" also had a way of lighting up Kim's social media channels with her gorgeous smile and silver hair.

In remembrance. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles; sons Charles Jr. and John Steven; and brother John Joseph Roach. Her beautiful spirit will be remembered by her loving and devoted daughter, Kimberly Varner; sister, Helen Hendricks; brother-in-law, James Varner; and sisters-in-law, Lucille Varner and Annie Varner. She also leaves to cherish her memory, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including dear friend Saundra Hendricks Harding.

The finish line. In her class autobiography, Wilhelmina stated, "My life's goal is to live a rich and rewarding life. A mode of life that will enable me to contribute to the development of a better life for all." She fulfilled her life's goal, and all who knew and loved her were touched and blessed by her presence. Thank you, Wilhelmina. God's good and faithful servant.

We invite you to wear pink or silver accents.

If you plan to attend the repast, please complete the following form by Sunday, March 8: https://forms.gle/78CwYjqvxJagPbm38

The memorial Service will be available via YouTube livestream, beginning at 9:45 A.M.: The Inter-Faith Chapel - Leisure World - YouTube

When you arrive at the gate, please say "The Varner Funeral at the Chapel." If you arrive after 11:30, please say "Varner repast in Clubhouse I."

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to:

College of New Rochelle (CNR) CNR Serviam Endowed Scholarship Fund

Make checks payable to Mercy University, and in the memo, put "IMO Wilhelmina Varner CNR"

Mail to:

Mercy University, Institutional Advancement, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 For online donations, visit https://alumni.mercy.edu/ServiamFund

Inter-Faith Chapel

Make checks payable to: Inter-Faith Chapel, and in the memo, put "IMO Wilhelmina Varner"

Mail to:

Inter-Faith Chapel, 3680 S Leisure World Blvd., Silver Spring, MD 20906 For online donations, visit The Inter-Faith Chapel | Donate

Under additional information, include: "IMO Wilhelmina Varner"