Edith Dawn Valentine

Edith Dawn Valentine passed away on September 3,2025. She was born in Jacksonville, FL and was a resident of John Knox Village of Central Florida since 2019. Born on July 22, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Louis Everett Valentine and Hazel Noone Valentine. Edith was the sixth of seven children and was proudly spoiled by her older siblings and her neighborhood Ortega community. She attended Ortega Elementary School, Lake Shore Middle School and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. After graduating, she entered St. Luke’s Nursing School and Jacksonville University. Edith received her nursing degree and bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. She later obtained a master’s degree in teaching from Rollins College and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida.

Edith excelled in both her nursing and educational careers. She was employed as a neurosurgical nurse at the University of Florida and a public health nurse in Duval County. Edith relocated to Sanford, Florida in 1968 and worked as an elementary teacher, guidance counselor, staffing specialist and lastly as a prevention specialist for Seminole County Schools. From 1987 until her retirement in 1997, Edith worked to steer students away from the perils of adolescent life through the Safe and Drug Free Schools Program. Helping kids cope with modern life was a Herculean task to which Edith was both resolute and tireless. Edith enjoyed many hobbies over the years including painting, gourding and stained glass. She loved tennis, biking and traveling.

Edith is survived by her sister, Raney (Lee) Colvill along with many nieces and nephews. Her brothers, Peter and Louis, and her sisters, Jean Anderson, Pam Pattee and Louise Goins predeceased her.

Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Edith’s life at the John Knox Village of Central Florida Chapel.

In accordance with her wishes, a private interment will be at Deltona Memorial Gardens, Orange City, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Halifax Health – Hospice Patient Care/Memorial Fund, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.