Sheryl Simmons-Valentine

She graduated in 1974 from Dominguez High School in Compton, California, receiving a full scholarship to Compton College. However, she chose motherhood to her first child, a daughter, Yesha as a greater service. Sheryl valued education as a means to independence. As she juggled the responsibilities of a working mom with a young child, Sheryl managed to complete professional secretarial classes. This empowered her with the training she needed to secure a position with the Los Angeles County Probation Department. Sheryl served the Director of the Los Angeles County Probation Department as an executive secretary for twenty years before retiring in 1996.

Sheryl was a beautiful and attractive woman. She found love in her marriage to Thomas Michael Valentine in 1978. This union produced her second child, a son, MyKel. Sheryl loved being a mother to her children, always eager to be involved in fun things for them to do. She encouraged them to participate in extracurricular activities like sports, music, art and drama. As a great cook, Sheryl loved to prepare and serve meals for her family. She took great pride in keeping an immaculate home with great detail and organizational skills. During this time. Sheryl was afforded the opportunity to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams with several businesses that catered to consumers of black art, fine crystal collectibles, and professional stationary services. Yet, while the couple enjoyed several years building and raising a family together, the two parted ways with respect after two decades.

Following a passion for adventure, Sheryl re-established herself in Las Vegas. Nevada. She humbly and diligently worked as a housekeeper at the Flamingo Hilton while simultaneously attending night school. Sheryl earned an Associates of Arts in Paralegal Studies in 2005 from Las Vegas Community College. With her new credentials in tow, Sheryl ventured to enjoy life in Atlanta, Georgia with close friends and family. Sheryl continued serving in law enforcement working for several bail bonds agencies, received her conflict resolution certification, and served fostered youth as a court appointed special advocate.

Sheryl will most be remembered for her great smile and Infectious laughter. She maintained a reputation as a snazzy and stylish dresser who remained polished while staying on trend. As a well-traveled woman that lived in several states, Sheryl was extremely friendly, never meeting a stranger. Sheryl was a risk-taker whose bold personality opened doors for her both professionally and personally. She was a kind and generous example of a compassionate friend. All these things, Sheryl would attribute to her relationship with the Lord whom she loved because He first loved her. She accepted Christ early in life and was a regular church goer. Even after her dementia diagnosis, Sheryl was adamant about attending church. Rainbow Baptist Church of Decatur, Georgia would pick her up on Sundays to make sure she was in attendance and she would be eager to be there in her Sunday best.

On January 21, 2024. Sheryl transitioned into a new life with the Lord. Both her parents and sibling, Gary Meeks, and many other beloved ones journeyed into the presence of the Lord before her.

Her legacy of love and laugher will be remembered by her daughter, Yesha Antoinette McKay-Jackson and son-in-law, David Jackson, her son, MyKel Charod Valentine, her siblings, Pamela Renee Simmons-Boyd (Cedric) of Jackson, Mississippi and Bobby Reliford Jr. of Los Angeles, California, as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, special friends, and extended family will all cherish her memory with joy and gladness.

A Celebration of Life for Sheryl will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 1:00 PM in The Fairview Suite at Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel, 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281.