Valarie Denise Thomas

Valarie, affectionately known as Val, was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, Grandmother, sister and friend. She was a force - a light in whatever room she graced. Unforgettable and brilliant, she was known for her wisdom, integrity, generosity, dry humor and warm hugs.

A devoted servant of The Most High Yahuah, Valarie had a love for God and studied His Word diligently with a deep and abiding faith that guided her through every season.

Professionally, Val poured her heart and time into personnel and training roles serving with distinction at institutions including Stanford University, Hewlett Packard, and University of Washington. She was a trailblazer in spaces not designed for her but she excelled in her work with excellence and grace.

Val loved to spend time with her beloved husband, James, and their love remained through every season of life from their meeting in college at San Jose State University until she held his hand in passing… even until her own last breath. She also loved music and could be found singing around the house and in the car randomly. She liked to make her favorite dishes for her family and especially loved enjoying a sweet treat after a great meal! Her greatest joy however, came from the role she lovingly embraced and embodied as a Grandmother. She was Nonnie to Jezai, Jazon, Jaeda, 3 pups (Cookie, Anita Baker and Patti LaBelle) and she was Nonnie to all their friends too.

Val was preceded in death by her sister Adreen Bell-Grant, brother Joe Bell Jr and her husband James Thomas. She leaves to cherish her memory her Mother Norma Jean Bell, (daughter) Tanisha “Neci” Thomas, (brothers) Larry Bell, Michael Bell and Michael Cullins, (sisters) Sandra Cullins, Anita Bell-Harris and Margaret Bell, (3 grandchildren) Jezai Berry (Deven Berry), Jazon Gladney and Jaeda Roundtree and we know she would’ve loved to meet her newest addition, her Great-grandson.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will echo through the generations - we will grow with the wisdom she taught by example and the love that still flows between us all.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Valarie’s life will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Palm Mortuary – Northwest, located at 6701 North Jones Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89131.

Immediately following the service, a committal will take place from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Palm Northwest Cemetery, at the same location. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Valarie are invited to attend and pay their respects

Following the committal family and friends are invited to a memorial lunch at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, 5881 Centennial Center Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89149.