Valerie Thea Weakley was born on July 28, 1955, to Vivian and Alfred Woods in Cleveland, Ohio. The road was never a straight path. Vivian was a young mother and not yet prepared for this huge undertaking, so she temporarily placed Valerie in the foster system. The system provided Valerie with a host of brothers and sisters and a sweet foster mother who she kept in contact with until she gained her wings.

Valerie returned to Vivian and attended Cleveland public school, graduating from Glenville Highschool. After high school Valerie attended Ohio University and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and was also a proud Kappa Kitten. Valerie enjoyed her time at OU but soon relocated to Columbus, OH. While in Columbus Valerie adopted a son (Idris Harris 1976-2021) and later gave birth to a baby girl (Kimberly Woods). Valerie moved back to Cleveland and met the love of her life John Weakley with whom she had two more healthy children with. Jessica Weakley (1986-2004) and John Weakley Jr.

Valerie attended school and started a career in banking but eventually found her true path and started her legacy in education graduating from Tri-C and becoming a lead daycare teacher at Bright Star Kiddie Tots. Through her career she made a difference in the lives of many families and eventually retired and focused on her health.

Valerie excepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was a proud member at Bright Star Missionary Bright Church. Valerie served the Lord in many ways at Bright Star, serving on the Usher Board, directing the Church daycare/nursery, and as a member of group 4.

Valerie defied the odds for many years battling one health issue after another until God was ready to call her home.

Valerie transitioned peacefully to her home in heaven on Thursday December 11th and is preceded in death by her mother and Father (Vivian and Alfred Woods) and 2 of her children (Idris Harris and Jessica Weakley).

Valerie’s memory will be carried on by her husband, John Weakley Sr, her 2 children, Kimberly Woods and John Weakley Jr along with a host of family, friends, and students who all love her dearly.