10/18/2025
Fannie Keith, age 90, of Matewan, WV, passed away peacefully at her home early Thursday morning, October 16, 2025. Born on April 25, 1935, in Lynn, WV, Fannie was a beloved daughter to the late Walter and Pearl (Mills) Varney. Fannie spent a lifetime dedicated to her faith, family, and community. She had a special way of making a town feel like home and neighbors feel like family.
In addition to her parents, Fannie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward “Tag” Keith; her first husband, Ray Holland; brothers, Alfred Varney, Ronald Varney, and Paul Varney; and sisters Wanda Whitt, Rickie Roberson, Madonna Hatfield, and Joyce Huff.
For more than 50 years, she anchored her days in faith as an avid member of the Sprigg Freewill Baptist Church, where her steadfast love for the Lord spilled into every meal delivered, every phone call made, and every porch visit shared. She also spent many wonderful years with her husband, Tag. You could often find them laughing, singing, and dancing together - theirs was truly a love story for the ages.
Whether working at Superior Electric, the Appalachian Power Company, or concluding her career at Matewan National Bank, Fannie carried the same integrity, kindness, and devotion into her work as she did in her home and community - quiet, steady, and full of love and grace.
If Christmas lights could tell stories, the streets of Matewan would recite Fannie’s name with a twinkle. Alongside her sister Madonna, her husband Tag, brother-in-law Ted, and their family, she helped dress the town for holidays, especially Christmas, leaving her unmistakable touch of class and joy on every light, ribbon and wreath. On soft Appalachian evenings, you could often find her on the back porch, gently swaying in her porch swing with Tag, sharing laughter and tall tales with Madonna, Ted, sister-in-law Gaynell, and anyone else who happened to stop by. All were welcome, because to know Fannie was to feel seen, accepted, and loved. Only heaven will fully reveal the reach of her generosity and humility.
Fannie is lovingly remembered by her sister Faye Hatfield, her brothers James T. Varney and Clinton Varney, and her daughters in love, Dreama Thornsbury and Peggy Harper; She is also dearly remembered by her special sister-in-law Gaynell Varney and niece Paula Varney, special brother-in-law Ted Hatfield and nephew Jeff Hatfield; as well as Sharon Roberson-Cooper, Pam Whitt, and Lori Varney, along with a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers, Tim and Melissa Johnson, Charlena Smith, and Flora Ratliff, and to treasured friends, Fran Mitchem Keefer, DJ Keefer, Shane Keefer, Brayden Mitchem, Adien Mitchem, and Joe Mitchem, whose companionship brightened so many of her days.
The family will begin receiving friends on Sunday, October 19, 2025 in the Sprigg Freewill Baptist Church, 218 Country Club Drive, Sprigg, WV, from 6pm to 9pm.
Honoring services will be held at the church on Monday, October 20, 2025, beginning at 1pm with Pastor Dallas Rife officiating. Fannie will be laid to rest at the Varney Cemetery in Lynn, WV, with family and friends serving as pallbearers.
The porch light of her life now shines from a higher hill, but its warmth remains, glowing in the hearts of all who were blessed to call her family, friend, and neighbor.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Sprigg Freewill Baptist Church, c/o Gaynell Varney, 982 Route 49, Matewan, WV 25678
Expressions of sympathy may also be shared with the family by visiting www.chambersfuneralservices.com
Arrangements for the Fannie Keith family are in the care of Chambers Funeral Services, Inc., in Matewan, WV.
