On February 28, 2020,  Mrs. Valerie Jean (Jones) Bryant, 70, returned to her heavenly home after a valiant battle with cancer. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in this struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

Valerie was born to Joe Jones and Helen (Brewer) Evans in East St. Louis, IL on September 11, 1949, and was raised by Mable Nash in Gary, Indiana. After giving her life to Christ at an early age, Valerie went on to graduate high school in 1967 and attended the University of Bloomington and University of Wisconsin.

Family was an important part of Valerie's life. She married her college classmate, Thomas C. Bryant, Jr. on November 1, 1975 in Lansing, MI. Valerie raised her four children with patience, discipline and humility. From the beginning she taught her children about the love of God. She cultivated her children in arts and various activities including music, dance, and sports.

Valerie was a faithful church member at The Centre at Highland, CA; Friendship West Baptist Church, Dallas, TX; and Loving Fellowship Baptist Church, Desoto, TX. She worked in several ministries over the years: Ushers/Greeters, Children's Church, Volunteer Ministry, Sunday School, Decision Counseling, Comforters and Marriage Ministry. Serving others was her passion.

After 25 years of employment at the United States Postal Service in Grand Prairie, TX and Redlands, CA, Valerie retired in 2002. She eagerly became caregiver for her  grandchildren, father and later her mother-in-law. In her retirement, she also enjoyed travelling and was able to take her "trip of a lifetime" to Alaska in 2019.

Valerie was a vibrant person with a great sense of humor. She loved music, dancing and singing. Valerie loved hosting gatherings at her home with family and friends.  She was a true servant at heart with everyone. She was kind, patient and selfless. She touched many and loved unconditionally. She is dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her creator.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe Jones, Helen Evans and Mable Nash; sister, Barbara Cook; brothers, James (Sonny) Brewer, David Allen, and Kenneth Allen.

Valerie is survived by her husband, Elder Thomas C. Bryant, Jr; sons, Derrick Fleming and Erick Fleming; daughters, Tia Pettis (Damone) and Ebonee Bryant; grandchildren, Elijah Pettis and Aaron Pettis; sisters, Mable Cauther (Arthur), and Cecelia Thomas (Melvin); brothers, Robert Allen (Zaldwaynaka), Charles Allen (Kim), Patrick Allen, Michael Allen, Gregory Jones; and God-brother DeAngelo Allen. She also leaves a host of other family members and longtime friends.