In Loving Memory of Tywand "Peedie" Varner

October 23, 1977 – June 16, 2026

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Tywand Varner, who departed this life on June 16, 2026, at the age of 48.

Born on October 23, 1977, in Akron, Ohio, Tywand was a woman of remarkable love, strength, compassion, and faith. She was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, minister, and friend whose presence brought comfort, joy, and encouragement to all who knew her.

Family was the center of Tywand’s world. Her children and “glambabies” were her greatest pride and joy, and there was nothing she loved more than supporting and celebrating them. She shared a special and unbreakable bond with her mother, whom she loved deeply and treasured throughout her life.

Tywand was a gifted athlete who excelled in volleyball, basketball, and track. She attended Firestone High School and graduated from Buchtel High School 1040 in 1996. Her love for sports remained with her throughout her life, and she could often be found cheering on her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews at their sporting events. She was also a devoted fan of the Buffalo Bills.

Professionally, Tywand worked as a Scheduler at Rockynol Rehabilitation and Nursing Home and later completed her career as a Manager at Highway Distribution. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was a woman of faith and served as a minister. Whenever someone needed prayer, guidance, or encouragement, they often turned to Tywand, knowing she would offer support with love and sincerity.

Tywand was preceded in death by her husband, Tyraye Varner; grandparents Jessie Frank and Ida Robinson, Robert and LeeElla Bagley, Joe and Elsie Varner, and Shadie Taylor Sr. and Lois Riser; brother Lavell Sweet; uncle Hiawatha Bagley aunt Gretta Varner; cousins Jailen Cannon-Taylor, TyReese Bagley, and Dean Taylor; and her close friend, Donielle Hadden.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving mother, Gwendolyn Hill (Kevin Hill); father, Faron Robinson Sr.; dad, Lloyd Flinn; grandmother, Dorothy Taylor; mother-in-law, Gwynn Varner; and the father of her children, Marquis Rodgers Sr.

She is also survived by her beloved sons Marquis Rodgers Jr., Marquez Rodgers, DonGino Bickley, and Curtis Parmer; daughters Alyssa Varner and Deonna Bickley and grandchildren, Marquelle Rodgers and Ja’lani Rodgers;

She leaves behind her brothers Faron Robinson, Brian Sweet, Lloyd Flinn Jr., Troy Graham, Ricco Varner, Raqué Anderson (Melissa Anderson), and Omondo Varner; sisters Wanda Robinson, Taletha Robinson, Tanishia Bickley (Dean Bickley), Teliah Varner-Smith (Jackson Smith), and Tamarya Arnold.

She is lovingly remembered by her nephews Terry, Vernon, Tristan, Zavion, Elijah, Ricco, Christopher, and Jovan; nieces Tiara, TyRae’ah, Ta’Nahra, Ruby, and Melina; special uncles Michael Taylor and Hector Varner; special aunties Annie Stevenson, Pam, Naida, and Tina; special cousins Shanelle, Rachel, Tomeka, Carnae, Deon (Nala), Tramyn, Diamond, Ta’Marcus (Desi), Todd (Lily Ann), Marlon (Korrine), Terrence, Terrell, Lil Mike, and Valintina.

Tywand also leaves behind many cherished friends, including Tonya, Sabrina, Meaka (Demetrius), Talesha, Robert of Putty’s Kitchen, Mindy, Porsha of Putty’s Kitchen, Terrance of Perfect Pour, Tuff, J Walk, Jay Row, and Al-Jay. She was also blessed with bonus children Tyson, Jawaun, Allen, Eric, Travon, and Dereece along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends whom she loved dearly.

Though our hearts are filled with sorrow, we find comfort in the countless memories, laughter, love, and wisdom Tywand shared with us. Her legacy of faith, family, kindness, and perseverance will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Livingstone Apostolic Church, 587 S. Arlington Street, Akron, Ohio 44306. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of her life. Viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. There will also be a visitation at the Wellington Funeral Service 811 Grant Street Akron, Ohio 44311 on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard.”