Valerie May Worthington

As the youngest of three children, Valerie was born on September 8, 1932, in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England. Although growing up during the Second World War, Valerie lived a life filled with a tremendous amount of optimism, always looking on the bright side of every situation. She held such a loving dedication to her family, no matter how far, as her family spread across the world as far as England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Valerie was forever inspired by her Queen and country and her allegiance although moving to, what for her was, a foreign country. She learned to love her new home and become a proud citizen in 1970, while maintaining her dual citizenship with Great Britain. While preserving her deeply rooted British pride, she was an integral part of any clubs or associations relating to her heritage. As a member of the British Wives Club of the Transatlantic Brides and Parents Association, she quickly adopted new friendships and was able to keep her British traditions alive, “Cuppa Tea Anyone?”.

Valerie embraced life with enthusiasm and a deep appreciation for the world around her. She had a passion for gardening, where she found joy in nurturing beauty from the earth. Traveling brought her the excitement of new experiences, and an even greater appreciation for the world around her. Valerie allowed her creativity to flourish through sewing and painting, just to mention a few of her tremendous talents. Anyone who knew her was also aware of her special fondness for music, especially Willie Nelson and Daniel O’Donnell. Above all else, she will always be remembered for the immense love she had for her family and her British charm that made everyone she met feel her embracing warmth.

Valerie is preceded in death by her parents Arthur Joseph Hempstead and Rosalinda Isabelle Payling, as well as her brother Michael C. Hempstead and her sister June Eileen Hempstead and her loving husband of 60 years, Gene Clifford Worthington.

Valerie is survived by her children; Lynda Jean Brockman, Tracie Lee Polite (Anthony)(Tony) Polite, Sr.), and Clifford Earl Worthington. She was a devoted Nanna to Sharron Nicole Washington, Steffanie Lynn Martino, Jennasea Alexandra Gonzalez, Marion Terrance Washington, and Anthony Emmanuel Polite Jr. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Valerie Taleyah Washington, Aaliyah Danae Matino, Kingston Isaiah Martino, and Willow Sage Bell.

She will always be remembered by her family and dear friends for her uplifting spirit, contagious smile, her boundless love for others and selfless generosity. Valerie’s memory

will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her for the angel she has always been to those around her.

Funeral services will be held in her honor on March 21, 2025, at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542. The service will begin at 9:00 AM and conclude at 10:00 AM.