Valarie E. Walker

Valarie Evelyn Walker, affectionately known as “Val”, entered into this world on September 15, 1938, and departed this life on January 16, 2021. Valarie was the youngest of three children born to the late Alphonso Ralph Coverdale, Sr. and the late Mary Elizabeth Comithier in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Val was baptized at the young age of 12. Valarie was educated in the Philadelphia School District where she graduated from Overbrook High School. On January 12, 1957, shortly after graduating, she married her high school sweetheart, Charles Norman Walker, at home, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As an avid lover of music and a social butterfly, it was only natural that Valarie would meet her soulmate by way of a party. Their love story began a few years earlier when Valarie and her friend were planning a party that they didn’t have the music for. Charles, the “man with the music”, soon came to their rescue and the rest was history. From their union, five children were born; Charles Norman (deceased), Norman Derek, Anthony Tyrone, Curtis Apollo (deceased) and Lance Marcel. During her time in Philadelphia, Valarie worked as a receptionist at City Hall, as well as a secretary for Metropolitan Life Insurance. In 1972, her husband Charles, relocated the family to New Jersey, after getting a job promotion at IBM. Shortly thereafter, Valarie began her career with IBM. In 1983, they would relocate to Maryland. During her time there, she joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Rockville, Maryland, where she was an active member for many years. Valarie retired from IBM in 1993. After retiring, Valarie started work at a daycare and also became a MaryKay consultant. She really enjoyed interacting with children and would later start taking care of children at her home. Valarie was always “on the go”. She took pride in staying active, both physically and mentally. Some of her favorite activities included line dancing, listening to music, attending concerts, exercising, yoga, reading and spending time with her family and friends. It was rare that you ever saw Valarie without a big smile. She had a loving personality that you just couldn’t help but fall in love with. Her compassion and understanding always made her ear a favorite to talk to and her shoulder a favorite to lean on. She was kind hearted and many people gravitated toward her. Tragically, in 2011, Charles, Valarie’s husband of fifty-four years, succumbed to an illness. In 2016, Valarie relocated to Magnolia, Delaware. This was a welcome move for her, because as a child, she had spent many summers with family and friends in Milford, Delaware. She joined Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church of Dover, Delaware, where she regularly attended the women’s ministry, Bible Study and faithfully volunteered as a server for the church’s soup kitchen. She spent her last years living life to the fullest. She continued to spread joy and positivity, building unforgettable bonds with her neighbors and church family. She continued to make a difference in all of the lives she touched until the day she transitioned. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by two sons, Charles Norman Walker, Jr. and Curtis Apollo Walker; brother, Charles Coverdale, Sr.; and stepsister, Juanita Williams. Valarie leaves to cherish her memory, her sons, Norman, Anthony (Velvet) and Lance; granddaughter, who she raised as her own, Toni; sister, Geraldine Newman; two half sisters, Alfloretta Coverdale and Gwendolyn Satterwaite; half brother, Alphonso Coverdale Jr.; two aunts, Grace Brown and Dorothy Smith, 12 additional grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

Valarie E. Walker

September 15, 1938 - January 16, 2021