Valerie Ann Smith, a resident of Meadows of Dan, Virginia, peacefully passed away at her home on June 20, 2024, at the age of 39, surrounded by her loving family. Her passing, entrusted to the care of Moody Funeral Services Inc Obituaries, marks the end of a courageous battle with Renal Medullary Carcinoma, a fight she faced with immense strength and unwavering faith.
Valerie found immense joy and solace in her final four years spent in a charming farmhouse in Meadows of Dan. This beautiful setting became home with her devoted husband, Denny Kelvin Smith, Jr., and their youngest children, Kijah Rothrock, Denny Kelvin Smith III, and Thomas Finley Smith. She is also survived by her eldest daughter, Acacia Roberts, residing in East Bend, NC. Valerie is now reunited with her Mamaw Virginia in eternal peace and leaves behind her parents, Thomas Rose and Stephanie Steelman; siblings, Katlyn Keaton, Charity Rose, Holly Davenport, and Jamie Steelman; along with cherished grandparents, aunts, uncles, and extended family members.
Her time in Meadows of Dan was richly blessed, filled with connections to the local community and appreciation for the area’s natural beauty. She discovered a deep sense of belonging and formed meaningful relationships, particularly with a group of mothers who became her close friends and support system. Valerie also found spiritual fulfillment and community at Grace Baptist Church in Stuart, VA, which became her cherished church home.
Despite facing a life-altering diagnosis, Valerie’s reflections offer profound insights. She openly acknowledged that a life cut short at 39 was far from her expectations, especially with young children at home, a loving marriage, and a fulfilling career. Her journey taught her invaluable lessons about the divergence between personal plans and divine will, emphasizing the tentative nature of our intentions. She stressed the importance of releasing grudges, as they only burden the holder, and urged everyone to express appreciation for friends and invest time in those relationships that enrich our lives immeasurably. Valerie poignantly highlighted the preciousness of time with loved ones, particularly spouses and children, advocating for present moments filled with connection and love.
In her message, Valerie passionately encouraged others to find a church home, sharing her own years-long search for a welcoming and biblically grounded community. Grace Baptist Church provided her with exactly that – a place where she felt comfortable, where the Bible was central, and where she found a true church family under the guidance of a Pastor she respected. She extended a heartfelt invitation to anyone seeking such a community, even jokingly noting an open seat in her favorite front-row spot at Grace Baptist Church.
Valerie concluded with gratitude to her friends and family, expressing hope for a future reunion. In lieu of floral tributes, she requested donations to The Chris Johnson Foundation, the sole organization dedicated to research and funding for Renal Medullary Carcinoma. Contributions can be made through their website: https://chrisjohnsonfoundation.org/donations/.
A memorial service to celebrate Valerie’s life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Grace Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Mark Elkins. Moody Funeral Home, located in Stuart, VA, is honored to be serving the Smith family during this time. Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.moodyfuneralservices.com, where obituaries and service details are available through Moody Funeral Services Inc obituaries.
