•In Loving Memory•
•Valerie Jeanne Slenbaker•
April,19,1960~July,30,2021
With heavy hearts, we regret to announce the passing of our beloved mother Valerie…
Valerie is survived by her children, Melissa and Joshua. Her mother Pat and wife Barb.
Her sisters Stephanie, Linda, Laura, Kathy and brother James. As well as her grandsons, Dylan, Tristan, and Damien. Also, not to forget the others she loved as her own; Danielle Henderson, Shawn Cleary and Joshua Tassell. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Joe, and brother, Joesph. Valerie was a rare woman that had a heart bigger than the galaxy we could never comprehend! She never judged anyone. She loved whole heartedly always. Her children grew up watching her overcome every obstacle that life put in front of her. In the summer of 1981 while attending Community college of Baltimore County for commercial arts and playing softball, Valerie was setup on a blind date with Robert. Little did she know, at the time, that her life would be changed forever. Valerie and Robert got married in November 1983. Welcomed their 1st child, Melissa, into the world July of 1983. Followed by their 2nd child, Joshua, in November 1986. Valerie went on to get her culinary degree. She worked at the US Naval Academy beside her sister, Stephanie, feeding 1200 midshipmen a day for close to 10 years. Valerie had a very strong worth ethic that she passed down to her children. She always said, “We are stronger than we think!” That is a motto we lived by and something we will carry on to our children. She never let us question how much we were loved. She made us wonderful home-cooked meals and was always open to letting us have another pet. She was a animal whisperer of sorts. Animals spoke to her because she knew how to listen. She was a great listener; Even with only having 30% of her hearing. She was an incredible mother, a talented artist, a amazing sister, friend, daughter and wife. Valerie loved being with her family. In 2003, she met the love of her life Joe Slenbaker. They married in 2007 and enjoyed their years together hiking, camping, canoeing, and working alongside their church helping the homeless. Valerie also enjoyed drawing and doing all kinds of art. It gave her joy feeding her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a mentor to many young people who worked for her and to many of her children’s friends. Her home was always open to those she loved. Her heart was true. She loved without judgement, listened without prejudice, and advised without bias. She had a calmness to her aura that radiated from her and could be felt by anyone in her proximity. Her aura was strengthened by her embrace which she welcomed to anyone who wanted or needed it. This was her super power to calm an upset heart with a hug and a smile that would uplift the saddest of individuals. Her love, caring, and kindness will live on within all who knew her forever.
Visitation Details
Service Details
Memorial Service 1:00PM Sunday, July 18, 2021
Fraser Funeral Home 8168 Normandy Blvd. Jacksonville, Fl 32221
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