Valerie Lynn Williams Hunter

Valerie Lynn Williams Hunter, a beacon of compassion and kindness in her community, departed from this world on the 19th of January, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on the 30th of October, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, she was the cherished daughter of Ida Williams Brooks and Joseph Christopher. Raised by her devoted grandparents, Lula and Frank Williams of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Valerie's formative years were imbued with love, encouragement, and the values of hard work and dedication.

She pursued her dreams with unwavering resolve, earning her nursing credentials and embarking on a lifelong career that would touch countless lives. Valerie served diligently at Mercy Hospital, where her charm and grace endeared her to many, and forged friendships that stood the test of time. Her professional journey also included significant tenures at Parkview Hospital, Madison Parish in Tallulah, Louisiana, and Central Mississippi Medical Center, from which she later retired, leaving behind a legacy of care and compassion.

An ardent learner, Valerie laid the educational foundation for her illustrious career by completing her primary education at Bovina Elementary and graduating from Rosa A. Temple High School in 1965. She furthered her studies at Utica Junior College, nurturing the knowledge and skills that would define her vocation.

Valerie is survived by her two beloved children, Retired SFC Karl A. Hunter (Oretha) of Richmond Hill, Georgia, and Deidra Williams Barnes (Albert) of Vicksburg, Mississippi. She took great pride in her extended family, which includes her six treasured grandchildren: Tech SGT Karl Hunter (Josie) of San Antonio, Texas; Jasmine N. Collins of Austin, Texas; Albert Barnes, IV of Vicksburg, Mississippi; SPC Ashley Barnes Richardson (Marquez) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Kari Hunter of Kennesaw, Georgia; and Cydney Barnes of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Valerie's love transcended generations, as evidenced by her great-granddaughter, Kelis Collins of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by her stepmother, Earline Christopher of Detroit, Michigan; her longtime companion, Johnny Andrews, Jr. of Vicksburg, Mississippi; her dear siblings, Brenda Ellis (James) of Griffin, Georgia, and Carolyn Upshaw of Ontario, Canada; and a multitude of loving cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as cherished childhood friends Deolia Barnes and Jessie Watson Seals.

Valerie's spirit will be lovingly remembered by all whose lives she enriched with her warmth and generosity. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ida Williams Brooks and Joseph Christopher, as well as her grandparents, Lula and Frank Williams, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The sacred farewell to this remarkable woman will be held at C J Williams Mortuary Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where visitation is scheduled for the 31st of January, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Her funeral service will commence on the 1st of February, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Travelers Rest Baptist Church, also in Vicksburg. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, and Valerie has now found peace in eternal rest.