Valerie Evelyn Longstreet, known affectionately as “Val”, was born on February 14, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio, to John G. Jackson and Evelyn Jackson. She passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by the love of her family.

Val was a lifelong resident of Cleveland, having attended the Cleveland Public School System and would graduate from John Adams High School in 1964.

She married Richard Longstreet, with whom she shared her life’s journey and built a warm and inviting home. From this union of love, three children were born; two sons, Terrance and Jeffrey; and daughter, Lisa.

A proud member of the community, Val was actively involved in the lives of others. She served as the PTA President in the Cleveland School System, where her commitment to education and family impacted many. Val also shared her spirited energy as the Cheerleading Coach for the Sim’s Raiders of the Muny League, where her passion for fostering teamwork and encouragement shone brightly.

Val devoted her life to her family, serving as a loving and dedicated homemaker. She excelled in her role as a nurturing mother, earning the endearing titles of “Ma” to her children, “Nonne” to her beloved grandchildren, and “Auntie Val” to her nieces and nephews. Throughout her life, Val’s love for family was evident, especially in her tradition of preparing family meals that brought everyone together. She planned countless vacations, always ensuring those moments were filled with joy, laughter, and adventure, including unforgettable family outings such as an African Safari. Val had a zest for life that extended beyond her kitchen; she enjoyed shopping trips, days at the casino, and playing games on her phone. Her compassionate spirit and motherly advice were a comforting presence to many, as she always had a listening ear to offer.

Valerie passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by the love of her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, John G. Jackson and Evelyn Jackson; her beloved husband, Richard Longstreet; her son, Terrance Longstreet; and her grandson, Jordan Longstreet.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Jeffrey Longstreet; her daughter, Lisa Lynn Longstreet; daughter-in-law Andrea Longstreet; her grandchildren, Justin Longstreet, Jessica Longstreet, Jennifer Longstreet, Elizabeth Penny, Hannah Longstreet, and Tori Powell; three great grandchildren, Olivia, Zora, and Justin, Jr., siblings, John Jackson (Yvonne), Delores Jefferson, Janet Thompson (Aaron), and Raymond Jackson Sr. (Renee); along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives were made richer by knowing her.

Though she has gone from our sight, her love remains woven into every shared recipe, every family gathering, every child she encouraged, and every life she quietly touched. Her legacy is one of devotion, warmth, and enduring grace—a life beautifully lived and lovingly remembered.