Valerie L. Harris

“Well done good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:23
 
Ms. Valerie LaDean Harris was born August 1, 1960 to the late Sallie Mae and Floyd Harris in Chicago, Illinois.  She graduated from Westinghouse Vocational High School in 1978 with a focus on Cosmetology and went on to complete her Associates at Robert Morris College with a degree in Business in 1981. Shortly after in 1981, she welcomed her first son LaDarien into the world.  In 1995, she moved to the Metro Atlanta area with her sister Kem and her then husband Brutus Brooks. In 1998 she had her second son, Marshaun, who she affectionately nicknamed “Pooh”. 

Although she spent most of her working career up to that point in various sales and healthcare related positions, she knew her calling was with children. She opened a daycare in Decatur, GA and began what would be a lifelong ministry of mentoring children of all ages.  After closing her daycare, she decided to become a foster parent.  Many children came to her broken but left uplifted and much more prepared for the world.  It was during those years that she gained her bonus daughters Octavia and Maria. Although they graduated from her care, they were so touched by her love during her time as a foster mother, they remained as close as mother and daughter.  She was always a very involved mother and grandmother; her children were her world.  Valerie was also very active in church and attended New Birth Missionary Baptist Church at the time of her passing. Most days she got up early to pray for those she loved. She was a devoted friend to many and loved by all who knew her. Valerie favorite saying was, “The race is not given to the swift nor the strong, but to the one who endures until the end”, and she endured to the end! 

Valerie Harris departed this life on Friday November 23, 2018.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd Louis and Sallie Mae Harris, and one nephew, Daniel Taylor Jr.
 
She leaves to cherish her memories two sons, LaDarien (Nanyamka) Harris and Marshaun Brooks, two foster daughters Octavia Fugerson and Maria Cruz Cortez; one brother, Sheik Yusef Mohammed Bey aka Donnie Harris (Theresa); three sisters, Angela Tillman (Wilson), Kemberly Harris, and Rebecca Matthews; four uncles, Choice Harris, Aaron Harris, Robert (Susie) Alexander, and Willie Alexander; four aunts, Emma Thomas, Gloria (Mitchell) Davis, Fannie Davis, and Rafiqah Williams; eight grandchildren Jiselle, Kiara, Koren, Brandyn, Jayden, LaDarien Jr. (LJ), Angel, and Savya; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

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