John Leon Valentine, Sr.

      In the year of our Lord 1923, a baby boy was born on January 14 to N.R. and Willie Lu Valentine named John Leon.  John was one of ten children.  He was baptized and confirmed in the faith in Humble, Texas. The family relocated to Houston, Texas, where he attended Booker T. Washington High School. On September 3, 1941, John was jointed in Holy Matrimony to Dorothy Larks, and entered into fellowship at New Peaceful Rest MBC, under the leadership of Pastor J.D. Moten.       John served in the US Army where he completed courses at Fort Crook, Nebraska before going overseas. He received an honorable discharge on November 7, 1952 at Corporal Rank.      John and Dorothy later united in fellowship with Starlight Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. U.S. Turney. After years of service as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and BTU leader there, he rejoined New Peaceful under the leadership of Pastor Joe Culton and present Pastor Rev. Richard Randle. He continued to serve faithfully as age and health would allow.      He is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy; parents~N.R. and Willie Lu Valentine; brothers~ Nathaniel, Clem, N.V. and Willie Joe; sisters~Classie, Geneva, Maetta and Bernice; children~Roy Lee Valentine and Johnnie Ruth Barnes.      Precious memories will be cherished by his sister Hortense Finley of Marin City, California. Children~Helen Walwyn (Clint), Kathleen Gibson (Roy), Deborah Berry (Dwight), John Valentine, Jr. (Beverly), Ralph Valentine (Janet), David Valentine (Margaret), Melba Wiley (David) (d), and Kevin Valentine; 30 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren, and a vast host of family, friends, and church family who knew and loved him dearly.