Valerie Williams“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” – John 3:8

Valerie Kay Williams was born July 23, 1963, in Fort Smith to the union of Jessie and Lucille Green. She departed this life to be with the Lord on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013. She attended various churches as a child and later became a member of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Smith. As a military dependent, Valerie attended numerous grade schools around the world and then graduated from Northside High School. She later became an alumna of the University of Arkansas, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. She then moved to Dallas, where she started her professional career. Valerie was united in holy matrimony to Bernard Williams on June 15, 1991. To this joyous union, two daughters were born, Victoria Renee and Lauren Kaitlin. Valerie moved to Michigan and was employed as an accountant by Lafarge North America in Southfield, Mich., for more than 20 years at the time of her passing. She also joined Oak Pointe Church in Novi, Mich., where she served as a church school instructor in pre-K and kindergarten classes.

While Valerie enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking or hosting friends, she always had a significant love for retail/shopping, which she vividly exhibited during her shopping/browsing outings (especially Black Fridays). Valerie leaves to celebrate her divine life and teachings, the love of her life, husband, Tyrone Bernard and daughters, Victoria Renee and Lauren Kaitlin of South Lyon, Mich.; her mother and stepfather, Robert and Lucille Wilson of Fort Smith; stepmother, Janna Green of Fort Smith; her brothers, Curtis (Angie) Green of Albuquerque, N.M., Patrick (Concha) Wilson of Jacksonville, N.C., and Carbon Robinson of Kansas City, Mo.; her mother-in-law, Strudel Williams of El Dorado; her sister-in-law, Irish Williams of Little Rock; her brother-in-law, Eric (Joelle) Williams of Katy, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, loving relatives and dedicated friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Jessie Green; and her father-in-law, Marry L. Williams.

Funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Smith with interment at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. Viewing will start at 9 a.m. at St. James Missionary Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith.

To place an online tribute, please go to www.lewisfuneralchapel.net.