Carla Ann Varner was one of those people who make others feel safe, comfortable, and deeply loved. She carried a rare combination of grace, joy, and wisdom, and so many experienced her as someone who walked with them through life's highest highs and lowest lows.

She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend — an irreplaceable source of support to many.

She was a prolific author, illustrator, and creative — creator of several Christian children’s books and comic strips through her first book publishing company, ICDAT (I Can Do All Things) Productions, inspired by Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”; founder of Meadow Hill House Publishing; and creator of My Prayer Testament, a deeply intentional and comprehensive guided prayer journal.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life and at the root of everything she pursued. She was a prayer warrior — praying with friends and family every Monday night on their communal prayer line — and unceasingly in-between. She showed up for others in her prayer life with a depth of care that left a lasting impact.

While we grieve her absence on earth, we also honor the depth of who she was, and what she gave, and the way her life will continue to ripple outward through those she loved forever. And we celebrate that she is today at peace in Paradise, wrapped in the loving arms of her heavenly Father.

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. - 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Visitation

the 16th of May at 10 AM
Crossroads Christian Fellowship
2815 Morris Ave
Union, NJ 07083

Celebration of Life Service

the 16th of May at 12 PM
Crossroads Christian Fellowship
2815 Morris Ave
Union, NJ 07083

Guests are invited to wear black attire.
‍
Repast will follow in the lower level of Crossroads Christian Fellowship.

In lieu of flowers

In honor of Carla, contributions are being collected to support the future printing and sharing of her My Prayer Testament guided prayer journal.
‍
This journal was something she created with deep intention—designed to encourage reflection, prayer, and a practice of returning to witness what has been carried, answered, and transformed over time.

It is our hope that her words and this practice continue to reach others.
‍
Contributions may be made here.
Not tax deductible.

More on Carla's Work + Publications

Carla’s work as an author, illustrator, and creator spanned children’s literature, comic storytelling, and faith-based guided writing. Through her creative vision, she developed stories and tools designed to encourage faith, reflection, and imagination across ages.

Through ICDAT (I Can Do All Things) Productions
‍Inspired by the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

‍Children’s Books — The Theodore Series
‍Theodore Walks in the Light
Theodore Gets Salty
Theodore Goes Fishing

‍Additional Children’s Stories
‍The Worrisome Worm
The Gossipy Goose

‍Comic Strip Series + Characters
‍The Gospel Goose
Li'l Mo: For Young Thinkers in Training
Mo Muse: Heart, Soul, & Mind
Morris Muse: Standing in Faith
The Morris Muse Experiment (Trilogy)

Through Meadow Hill House Publishing
A small, independent publishing house rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, that we may spread the Gospel message of salvation through faith in Him.

Into His Presence Series
‍A developing collection of prayer journals and guided notebooks designed to support intentional reflection, prayer, and spiritual practice, including:
My Prayer Testament — Guided Prayer Journal
Forthcoming companion prayer journals and notebooks (to be released)

From our family

Thank you for being part of Carla’s life, and for holding our family in your thoughts during this time.

Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation. I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Psalm 85:6-8 KJV

Share a memory of Carla

We invite you to share a memory of Carla with our family—whether it’s a story, a reflection, a lesson she taught you, or simply a few words about what she meant to you. Your memories are a gift, and they help us hold onto the many ways she touched the lives of others.