Valerie Francine Strayhorne

Valerie Francine Strayhorne was born in Richmond to the late Leroy Creer, Jr and Jean Rebecca Mayes on December 11, 1949. She is preceded in death by her husbands - William Short I, Steven Warren, and Harold Strayhorne, Sr. She was adopted by her paternal grandparents, Leroy and Emma Creer, Sr, at the age of 11 years old after the passing of her mother. She attended public and later private schools in Newark, New Jersey.

She was employed as a Highway Toll Collector for 20 years. 

Next, She was employed as a Door Greeter for Wal-Mart for the last 17 years sharing her smile with everyone she met. Valerie loved playing bingo, reading, watching SciFi, The Price Is Right, and cooking for her family. She is survived by one son - William L Short II, two daughters - Valesha McGowan (Michael) and Valoris Short; seven grandchildren - William III, Shaquana, and Bradley Short, Xavier and Malik Thompson, Michael McGowan III and Valecia Lambert (Richard); eight Great-grandchildren - Zayn and Lorenzo Lambert; Ziyah, Zaria, and Zamya Short; Ameeyah, Jaylen, and Jordan Hodges. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. One very devoted friend, Rex Johnson.