Valerie Ann Smiley

Valerie Ann Smiley, 84, who resided in Ashburn, VA passed away peacefully on October 11th, 2023, at Lake Manassas Health and Rehabilitation Center after a brief illness. She was born on July 14th, 1939, in St. Louis Missouri to the late Steve Smiley and the late Sarah Eskridge. She was the eldest of two children and attended St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic School for elementary school. She graduated from Rosati-Kain Catholic High School. After graduation, she attended the University of Missouri and was nominated for Ms. Mizzou her freshman year. Valerie followed her passion of working with young people and obtained a position with the Girls Scouts of America as a camp counselor/coordinator which took her to Battle Creek Michigan.

Valerie obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree, Master’s in Education, and Education Specialist degrees from Michigan State University and began working in the Lansing Public School system. She taught elementary school, kindergarten through 4th grade. After 15 years of being a classroom teacher, she became a Reading Specialist and continued to help children learn to read. After 30 years of service, she retired to Virginia to be closer to her family.

After two years of retirement, Valerie decided to go back into the public school system and worked another 12 years for the Loudoun County Public Schools. She finally retired at the age of 78 but continued to tutor kids and adults in literacy.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, reading, knitting, traveling to New England (her favorite place to go was Martha’s Vineyard), meeting people and making new friends. Everywhere she went, she made long lasting friendships. Everyone loved her smile and sense of humor. She will be missed, always be loved, and cherished in remembrance.

Valerie was preceded in death by her brother, Steve (Stevie) Smiley Jr.; and her son, Christopher Steven Franklin. Valerie leaves behind her loving son, James Smiley Franklin Jr.; three loving granddaughters: Rachel, Morgan, and Kara Franklin; ex-daughter-in-law, Sherri Franklin-Barnes; and Sterling Miller (cousin), Ken Miller (cousin), Beverly Riddick (cousin), other relatives, and many friends.

Thank you, Valerie, for all you were and all that you gave. We wish love and light in your final journey Please go forth from this world knowing that you are loved beyond measure; That you will be missed more than words can say and that you will be remembered cherished, and that love we have for you will never end.

Funeral services will be October 21, 2023, at St Olaf Catholic Church 104 Norge Ln Williamsburg, Virginia 23188, Viewing 10-11 am, Mass at 11 am. Mass will be livestreamed at nelsenwilliamsburg.com Arrangements by Nelsen Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Smiley family.