Valerie Elizabeth Bannister

Valerie Elizabeth Bannister, age 76, of Scurry, Texas passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Valerie was born Sept.18, 1944 in Northwich, Cheshire County, England to British mother, Edith Gerrard Adamson & native Texan father, Howard C. Adamson. Valerie lived in Sandiway, England the first 16 months of her life with her mother & Grandparents, Harry & Sarah Gerrard, while her dad was off serving in World War II. At the end of World War II, Valerie & her mom left England & traveled to the United States aboard the S.S. Zebulon Vance, a military cargo ship converted to a ship exporting English war brides & their small children. Upon arrival at the Port of New York, Valerie & Edith were greeted by the Statue of Liberty before their ship docked. After being processed, Valerie & Edith made their way to Grand Central Station catching a train bound for Bonham, Texas. Valerie & family eventually moved to Dallas where she attended Sarah Zumwalt Middle School and graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in 1963. It was only a few months after, she married the love of her life, Donald Ray Bannister, on September 7th, 1963 and they were happily married for 49 plus years. Val was known best by everyone who made her acquaintance (family, friends, and even strangers) as the "Card Lady". Valerie was the most kind hearted and giving person. She made sure to have a card ready for every occasion. These are cards that she made with love and usually included glitter or confetti that would sprinkle out when the card was opened. She would have these cards ready to send out months in advance. She loved people and loved making them feel special. Valerie loved her family very much especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was very good at keeping in touch and going to visit with family and friends, even those who lived a good distance away. In her earlier years, Valerie was an avid collector of salt and pepper shakers, having quite an extensive collection. Valerie also liked to take photos of all her family and friends and use the pictures in making cards and award winning scrapbooks. Val was quite the social butterfly and even worked as the Activity Director at several nursing home facilities over the years. When she wasn't working she loved planting flowers and tending to her plants. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her parents Howard C. Adamson Sr. and Edith (Gerrard) Adamson; loving husband Donald Ray Bannister; sister Marcy Adamson Benham and brother, Roger Mark Adamson. Those left with cherished memories of Valerie are her children: Douglas Scott Bannister, Shelley Renee' Kirkwood and husband Odis and Darla Cheree Bannister; sister Lucy Melton and husband Don; brother Clinton Adamson and wife Kim; grandchildren: Alyson Hibdon and fiancé Rob Manor, Taylor Huddle, Ronnie Hibdon and wife Mariah and Trenton Hibdon and wife Esme; great grandchildren: Kason, Alexa, Kinsley, Levi and River along with numerous nieces and nephews, other beloved family and friends and her adored cat named Taffy. A celebration of life service will be held at Victory Church of Scurry on April 8, 2021 at 10:30am located at 7325 South, TX-34 Scurry, TX 75158. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andersonclaytonkaufman.com for the Bannister family.