Henry County residents will be celebrating a special birthday this week: McDonough resident Willie Goggins Varner. From serving her community on the Parks and Recreation, Senior Services and DFCS Boards to serving on the integration committee for Henry County Schools and helping to bring Henry General Hospital to our County. Her works have not gone unrecognized. She has received awards from Shiloh Baptist Church for her works in the church; She has received the Martin Luther King Freedom award for her service to the Henry County community; she has received resolutions from both the Henry County Board of Commissioners and the City of McDonough for her community service. Throughout the years, Willie Varner has done it all, but she has now reached another milestone: her 90th birthday.

She was born off Bridges Road to newly married couple John Lee and Ever Ruth Holland Goggins, who were only 24 and 19 when Varner was born. At only 15 months old, she and her brother Tommie lost their mother, and both were raised by their grandparents. Willie grew up in Shiloh Baptist Church in McDonough, where she learned the concept of serving all people. Over her lifetime Willie has lent a helping hand to all of those who were in need.

While her birthday is on Wednesday, April 20, there will be a drive-by celebration on Saturday, April 23 from 1 until 3 p.m. for well-wishers and family to drop by at Shiloh Baptist Church, 262 Macon Street in McDonough. All are invited to celebrate a great woman.