Valerie L Hinton

VALERIE LEA WHITLOW HINTON May 16, 1924 - March 20, 2015 Mrs. Valerie Lea Whitlow Hinton, was born in Opelousas, Louisiana to Harry and Eula Mae Whitlow on May 16, 1924; the older of two children. Valerie graduated from Saint Landry High School (1941) in Saint Landry Parish of Opelousas. After completing high school, she met and married Preston Richard. To this union one child, Eula Pearl Richard was born. Several years later, Valerie moved to Galveston, Texas alone to raise her daughter. It was here that she met and married Joseph H. Hinton. Mrs. Hinton became an involved member of her new community, embarking on various and ever challenging pursuits. She was a devout member of the Wesley Tabernacle United Methodist Church. While at Wesley, she served as President of the United Methodist Women and as Financial Secretary for the Church, she held this last position for many years (2010). In the community, she was a Girl Scout Brownie Troup Leader, a member of Top Hatters Mother's Association and a member of the Secret Sweetheart Social Club in Galveston. She not only worked at Eiband's Department Store (Galveston) for over 20 years, she became a Buyer for the Bridal Department, an uncommon feat for women of color, but a position in which she represented her family well. At one point, she also worked with Greens Funeral Home, where she worked in various capacities, primarily in the office. In 2011, Mrs. Hinton made the decision to move to Prairie View, Texas to live with her daughter, Eula P. Richard due to fragile health. She resided there until the time of her death. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph H. Hinton; parents, Harry and Eula Mae Whitlow; great aunts, Sarah Fields and Blanche Thomas; niece, Sandra A. Whitlow Brown; grandson, Roderick T. Richard; and great grandson, Roderick T. Richard, Jr. She leaves to cherish her precious memory, her daughter, Eula P. Richard (Prairie View, TX); her only sibling and brother, Joseph H. Whitlowe (& Mary R.) (Opelousas , LA); one nephew, Dale Richards ( & Karen) (Opelousas, LA); two uncles, Lawrence Smith (& Helma) (Houston) and Oscar Smith (& Della) (Carson, CA); Grandchildren: Charley E. Richard, Jr. (Houston, TX); Gregory A. Richard (& Beverly) (Cleveland, TX); Valerie C. Richard, (Katy, TX), and Joseph M. Richard (Prairie View, TX); Great-grandchildren: Brittany; Roderique; Kanetra; Gregory T.; Joseph H.; Amber; Keymia; Nicholas; Brandon; Jada; Joseph W. and McKenzie Pearl; and Great-great-grandchildren: Cory T., Jr.; Tobias and Kobie (twins); and Jaden and Braden (twins); and best friend of over 50 years, Norma Caligone. She also leaves a host of cousins and friends that will cherish her memory and miss her wry sense of humor.