Valerie Anne Kuykendall

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Valerie Anne Kuykendall—a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished Nana, faithful friend, dedicated teacher, and sister.

Valerie, age 70, of Combine, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on June 20, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born in Plainview, Texas, on March 15, 1956, and was raised by MaryAnn Edwards and Jack Edwards, who instilled in her the values of faith, family, and perseverance that guided her life. She graduated from Bryan Adams High School and, on December 11, 1983, married the love of her life, Bud Kuykendall. Together, they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage and built a home filled with laughter, faith, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Valerie earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Texas A&M University—Commerce and dedicated 23 years to teaching elementary school in Mesquite, Texas. She embraced her profession with passion, patience, and a genuine love for children, touching countless lives and helping her students grow in both knowledge and confidence. Shortly after retirement, she returned to work part-time tutoring students who had fallen behind during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of her kindness and dedication will continue to be felt for generations. Her family was proud when she was named Georgia Kimball Elementary School’s first Teacher of the Year for the 2016-2017 school year. She formed lasting friendships with fellow educators and was known for her wisdom and compassionate heart. She had a remarkable gift for giving advice—family, friends, and students alike sought her counsel, knowing she would listen carefully and respond with honesty, grace, and encouragement. She always seemed to know just the right thing to say. Her joyful spirit and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. Valerie was a devoted mother and found her deepest happiness in becoming a Nana. She adored her grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them. Whether sharing stories, going on “Nana Field Trips,” cheering from the sidelines, attending school programs, celebrating milestones, or simply being present, she made each grandchild feel deeply loved and special. Being their Nana was one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Valerie was a longtime member of White Rock United Methodist Church and lived her life with humility, strength, and a deep trust in God. She was active in PTA throughout her children’s school years. She loved reading and found great joy in her cookbook club, where she shared recipes, laughter, and meaningful friendships with dear friends and loved ones.

Valerie is survived by her beloved husband, Bud Kuykendall; her children, Maegan Bearden, husband Brent, Mallorie Copeland, husband Jason, and Matt Kuykendall, wife Jamie, stepson Tighe Kuykendall, wife Rhonda; her grandchildren, Seth Kuykendall; Jackson and Max Bearden; Melanie and Lucas Copeland; and Zoey Kuykendall; her brother, Marc Combs, wife Lana; her sister, Ginnie Combs, wife, Suz Mycoskie; her nephew, Garrett Combs; her niece, Grayson Combs; her grand-nephew, Elias; and her dear friend, Sue Shell, who was like a second mother to her, along with Sue’s sons, Jeff and Don, who were a cherished part of her extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, MaryAnn Edwards and Jack Edwards, and her nephew, Grant Combs.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we are comforted by the memories she leaves behind and the legacy of love she built through her family, her friendships, her teaching, and her faith. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

A memorial service celebrating Valerie’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 24, 2026, at White Rock United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Valerie’s memory may be made to the White Rock United Methodist Church Foundation, 1450 Old Gate Lane, Dallas, Texas 75214, www.wrumc.org/give; Seagoville Animal Shelter, 500 E. Farmers Rd, Seagoville, Texas 75159, www.seagoville.us/60/Animal-Services; and the SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Dr., Dallas, TX 75212, www.spca.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andersonclaytongonzalez.com for the Kuykendall family.