ELEASE VARNER

Elease Varner is a lifelong community member of Springfield. She attended the Springfield Schoolhouse, which is now a museum, from 1st grade until the 7th grade. She attended St. Paul School in Campbellton, FL starting in 8th grade until she graduated in 1959 as salutatorian of her class. She obtained her bachelor’s degree at Florida Normal and Industrial Memorial College which was in St. Augustine, FL through funding from the National Student Defense Loan. This Historically Black College/university (HBCU) is presently known as Florida Memorial University and was relocated to Miami, FL in 1968.

Ms. Elease Varner and Ms. Mary Beechim talk about celebrating May Day during their childhood

To hear Ms. Elease Varner and Ms. Mary Beechim talk about celebrating May Day during their childhood, please watch the following video.She is very active in the community and enjoys helping community members, as well asthe financials of Springfield A.M.E. Church. In her spare time she likes to relax by reading books. Her deepest wish is to preserve the legacy of the Springfield Community, and is doing so by helping to run the Springfield Schoolhouse Museum. Ms. Varner has been a key informant and has assisted the team in scheduling additional interviews.

Below Ms. Elease Varner standing in front of the Springfield Schoolhouse Museum's grant sign from the Florida Department of State Bureau of Historic Preservation Division of Historical Resources.