As many of you may have learned, Dr. J. Neil Varnell, who died March 6, made substantial gifts to sixteen local non-profits.

From 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, those charities are hosting a celebration of Varnell’s life at his house at 205 Clifton Avenue. Members of the Natchez community are invited to attend a brief ceremony and to enjoy food, drink, music and fellowship afterward.

Varnell was a native of Cleveland, Tennessee, but lived in Natchez for 45 years. He loved the city with all his heart and greatly admired the volunteerism that plays such an important role in making Natchez such a wonderful place to live.

He honored this volunteerism with bequests that are the largest gifts that many of these non-profits have ever received.

These gifts will have a major impact on the work of these organizations in the community. 

About 26 members of Neil’s family will be here for the celebration, and we hope that members of the Natchez community will attend to show their appreciation for Neil’s life and legacy. Organizations that are hosting the event include: 

*Alcorn State University

*Arts Natchez Gallery

*Auburn Antebellum Home

*Catholic Charities

*George Armstrong Library

*Historic Natchez Foundation

*Natchez Adams County Humane Society   

*Natchez Adams County Habitat for Humanity

*Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Heritage

*Natchez Festival of Music

*Natchez Cemetery Association Endowment Fund

*Natchez Community Stewpot

*Natchez Little Theatre

*Natchez Now

*Pilgrimage Historical Association

*Preservation Society of Ellicott Hill

People who attend should park on Broadway, Madison or Linton Avenue (which is a short walk to Clifton by way of Mulberry Alley).   

Mimi Miller is the former executive director of the Historic Natchez Foundation.