Valarie was born on August 24, 1946, in Brooklyn, NY to Varina Ann and Carl Faidley. She is survived by her husband and best friend, Lester Fillgrove Jr.; sons, Lester Fillgrove III and Mark Fillgrove and wife Tammy; sister, Carlana and her husband, Dustin Massie; grandsons, Matthew and Daniel Fillgrove.
She was defined by her dedication to her family and generous love to all. She lived her life with joy, humility and purpose. Her smile was sincere. Her heart was acceptance. Her love was unconditional.
She was an alumnus of the Ironton Ohio High School class of ’64 and Morehead State University. She was a member of the League of Women Voters since 1969. She held multiple leadership positions, including President of the Evansville, IN chapter and most recently was a Virginia State Legislature lobbyist. Valarie championed the Equal Rights Amendment, which seeks to guarantee equal rights for all Americans, regardless of gender. She was a passionate voter access advocate who had driven voters to the polls on election day. She registered new voters, including her sons, while working at the Virginia Beach Voter Registrar’s Office. She was a member of Manikin Episcopal Church.
Services will be held on May 3 at 1pm for family. A live simulcast will be available to all.
