L.J. “Jonnie” Vars

L.J. “Jonnie” Vars, 85, of Sunset Beach, passed away on January 9, 2012, at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter after a brief illness.

Born in Garland, NC on November 12, 1926, the youngest of seven children, she was named Lillie Mae Johnson but everyone called her “Jonnie”.

She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings; in 1985 by her loving husband of 34 years, William Herbert “Bill” Vars, and later by her beloved granddaughter Katherine “Katie” Boyer. Survivors include her three daughters and their husbands; Vicki Boyer and husband Tom of Carrboro, NC, Kathy Bullock and husband Kenny of Southport, NC, and Laura Saunders and husband Pete of Sunset Beach, NC. Her grandchildren include Michael Boyer, Erin and Ryan Bullock, and Jackson Saunders. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she treasured.

Her “best” friendship with Freddie Hobbs lasted 70 years!

Jonnie worked in the accounting field and enjoyed moving throughout the U.S. with her husband and children; however, she always considered Wilmington, NC to be her home, having moved there in the 1940s. She adored her children, grandchildren, life-long friends, music, dancing, cooking huge family meals, and eating North Carolina BBQ and fried flounder.

Interment will be private at Greenlawn Cemetery.

The family will host a celebration of her life on Friday, January 13.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice LifeCareCenter, Brunswick County Campaign, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401

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Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099.