Valarie Ponder Lee

Valarie Ponder Lee, age 45, of Libertyville, Illinois passed away on Sunday, July 1, 2012 with her loving husband, William P. Lee by her side. She was born August 29, 1966, in Helena, Arkansas to Pat and Becky Ponder.

She is survived by her husband and daughter, Aubrey Ju Lee, 4 ½ years old, she is to be remembered foremost as a loving wife and mother. Her fondest wish came true with her loving and devoted husband and daughter.

Valarie grew up in Arkansas graduating from Magnet Cove High School in 1984. She chose nursing as her profession graduating from Iona University, with an Associate in nursing degree then received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Sacred Heart in Connecticut. Her career track led her to work in the pharmaceutical development industry in New York, Connecticut and Texas where she was quickly promoted to project management team leader that coordinated international medical trails with exacting standards and a remarkable completion performance. Valarie had the unique ability to effectively work with high level management and maintain a cohesive and productive re pore with those that worked for her. Her career culminated as Associate Director, Global Medical Services, Safety Excellence Program, Abbott Laboratories, Abbot, Illinois.

She is also survived by her parents, Pat and Becky Ponder, currently of Austin, Texas, formerly of Malvern, Arkansas; her brother, Luther Ponder and his wife, Nadia of shoreline, WA and Jeff Ponder and his wife, Hye Yeong, of Austin. She has six nieces and nephews that were precious to her. She was loved and admired by her aunts and uncles, John and Shirley Baker of Searcy, AR and Joe and Carolyn Ponder of Columbus, MS and nineteen cousins. Valarie was especially close growing up with her cousins David and Jean Lamb and their daughters, Renee Lamb Roger and Heather Lamb.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 6, 2012 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 7, 2012 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gladney Center for Adoptions, China Humanitarian Aid by visiting www.gladney.org or call 817-922-6000.