Vara Oleta Jeffcoat Larkin passed away Thursday, November 17, 2011 in Birmingham, AL. She was the sixth child born of eleven brothers and sisters in Pike County, AL. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Blakely Jeffcoat; her mother, Tula Elizabeth (Betty) Jeffcoat; her brothers, Jimmy Lee, Russell, Aley and Bill; her sisters, Cleon Vaught, Tula Mathews, Sadie Dennis, Frances Oglesby, Edie Sessions and Jean Stroud. Vara was the last surviving member of her generation.

Mrs. Larkin married James Robert Larkin, Sr. in 1932. Together they had three sons who survive her, James Robert Larkin, Jr. (Linda) of Birmingham, United Methodist Ministers Rev. Malcolm E. Larkin (Jane) of Birmingham, and Rev. Russell Eugene Larkin (Sophia) of McLean, VA. Other survivors include her grandchildren, Ben Larkin (Paige), Jenny Coyne (Patrick), Katy Larkin, Rusty Larkin (Christina), James Jay Larkin (Jessica) and Claiborne Larkin. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren, Malcolm Larkin, Margaret “Meg” Larkin, Seamus Coyne, Brady Coyne, Nicholas Larkin, Noah Larkin, Kadie Larkin, and Samuel Larkin.

Mrs. Larkin was a long time member of Ensley First United Methodist Church. When the church was closed, she moved her membership to Central Park Methodist Church until her passing.

A memorial service for Vara Jeffcoat Larkin was held at Elmwood Chapel on Monday, November 21, 2011 with Dr. Bill Morgan of Canterbury UMC officiating. A grave side service was held on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Wingard Cemetery, southwest of Ansley, AL, with her sons officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made to Central Park United Methodist Church, 4616 Terrace R, Birmingham, AL 35208.