She was 102 years old.
Valeria was one of four children born to W. B. Loudermilk and Chloe (Adney) Loudermilk of Adona, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by an infant son Orval Adney Brazil, her parents, husband Orval, and three siblings: Hayden Loudermilk, Edwin Loudermilk, and Elaine Watson. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Orval Gene Brazil (Karen) Houston, AR; Joe Brazil (Joanne) Madera, CA and Victoria Tos (John) Hanford CA; grandchildren, Kay Hoyt, Larry Brazil, Jamin Brazil, Janna Christensen and Jeff Tos. Thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.
Our mother was, beyond doubt, a homemaker extraordinaire. While raising young children in the mid 1940’s, in Perryville, AR, she achieved enough college units from Arkansas State Teacher’s College to become an elementary substitute teacher. In the 1950’s she took a job in the Clerk’s Office at Perry County Court House. She held that position until the family relocated to Hanford, California in 1955.
Upon arriving in California, our mother readily found employment at the Kings County Public Works Department as a Payroll Clerk. She was a delightful, diligent and loyal employee for over 26 years and took an early retirement to care for her husband until his death in 1989.
Mother was a very gifted and blessed woman. She lovingly and generously shared her gifts and blessings with her children and all who knew her. She was also an accomplished “southern-chef” who enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. Valeria was well known for looking after her neighbors with acts of kindness. Her grandchildren still recall her delicious homemade rolls. Her children and grandchildren have been the recipient of beautifully knitted “afghans” and needle point heirlooms. Family and friends describe her to be an uplifting and cheerful person who always put others before herself.
She was also known as a prayer warrior and when you asked her the question; “How she was?” her response was consistently, “Couldn’t be better.” no matter what the circumstance. Mother always looked forward to Wednesday Coffee Break Bible Study and loved the fellowship of other believers. She was both Organist and Pianist at the Baptist Church in Perryville, AR for many years as well as the Southern Baptist Church in Hanford, CA.
Later in life she enjoyed the fellowship at the First Presbyterian Church in Hanford, CA. Most importantly our mother’s love for God was instilled in her children. Her faith was evident in all aspects of her life. The words: “Her children arise and call her blessed. Her husband also and praises her” (Prov. 31:28) are apt.
We praise God for her long, beautiful life and our hearts will miss her radiant presence here on earth. The family wishes to thank the staff at King’s Nursing & Rehab, Valley Christian Home, and Adventist Health Hospice.
Donations in Valeria's name may be made to Adventist Health Home Care and Hospice Services; 440 Greenfield Ave Suites B-C, Hanford, CA 93230.