Earlene Varney Jackson
Born January 1, 1934, in Sand Springs, OklahomaPassed away July 1, 2026 in Melbourne, Florida
Earlene Varney Jackson, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Melbourne, Florida, on July 1, 2026.
Born and raised in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Earlene later settled in Enterprise, Alabama where she built her family and career for more than 55 years. She is survived by her devoted husband, Carl H. Jackson of Enterprise. Earlene and Carl recently made their home in Melbourne to be closer to family.
Earlene is also survived by her children, Steven L. (Bonnie) Varney of Melbourne, FL, and Gail Bynum (Roy) Lively of Richmond, TX; her grandchildren, Robert Varney, Allison Varney (Ryan Ellison), Shawn Varney (Sadie Newton) of Melbourne, FL, and Jennifer Bowden (Calvin) Gorriaran of Sugar Land, TX; fifteen cherished great grandchildren; her nieces Shannon Streller and Regan Dechane; her nephew Mark Short; her sister in law Donna R. Read; and many lifelong friends whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Earl G. and Mamie S. Read, and her dear siblings, Virginia Short, Rose Holden, and Larry Read.
A driven entrepreneur, Earlene began her career as a florist when she purchased a small flower shop in downtown Enterprise, Alabama. She later expanded her business, Enterprise Flower & Gift Shop, opening a second location in Dothan. Over more than 35 years, she created wedding arrangements, holiday designs, special occasion florals, and funeral pieces. Earlene loved what she did, helping others to express love, kindness, gratitude, and remembrance through flowers.
Earlene was civic minded and committed to her community. She was an active member and past president of the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Pilot Club. She served on the Board of the Christian Mission Center in Enterprise and supported several events at Fort Rucker. A devoted member of First Methodist Church of Enterprise, she sang in the choir and participated in United Methodist Women. She also was a loyal member of the Red Hat Society, a circle of close friends with whom she loved to take trips.
Earlene lived life with enthusiasm and courage. She challenged traditional expectations, earning her pilot’s license and flying small engine planes, even competing in the Skylady Derby air race at a young age. Yet her greatest joy was her family: spending time with her children, watching her grandchildren grow, celebrating her great grandchildren’s achievements, laughing with dear friends, and loving her “boyfriend,” as she affectionately called Carl. Her love and legacy will forever remain in our hearts.
A Memorial Service will be held at First Methodist Church of Enterprise on August 22 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial at Cape Canaveral Veterans Cemetery in Melbourne, Florida will follow at a later date.
