CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR VALERIE J. PROCTOR

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith."  2 Timothy 4:7

On the wings of angels, Valerie Joyce Proctor's soul was softly carried away from her earthly home to her eternal home on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

On December 2, 1959, Henry (Mickey) A. Goldson, Jr. (deceased) and wife, Josephine added to their growing family welcoming their 3 ^rd daughter, Valerie Joyce.  Valerie, having been raised within a God-fearing family, dedicated her life to Christ at the young age of 8 years. She was baptized at the original site of Morning Star Baptist Church at 501 Robinson Street in Fairmont by then Pastor Reverend Eddie Henry. She was a spirited youth participating in Sunday school, Hilltop conventions and the Junior Choir.

Valerie was naturally brilliant and astute.  Her curiosity was developed and peaked by riding in the backseat of her father's car with her other sisters as he drove them throughout the State of WV visiting places like Blackwater Falls, Smoke Hole Caverns and other natural and historic parks and scenic sites.  She learned quickly and attended the public schools in Fairmont, WV Miller elementary and the historic Dunbar middle school.  Maintaining a high academic status throughout, Valerie graduated in 1977 from West Fairmont Senior High School a year ahead of her class and continued her academic goals and aspirations becoming one of the youngest students to be accepted into WV University School of Nursing.  She later attained several degrees and certificates at West Virginia University, graduating August 21, 1995. She was a zealous learner of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and also pursued certification in theology/divinity in the early 2000's.  Valerie was interested in using her talents to uplift the community and was successful in writing and obtaining grant funding to support 612 Mac, a Youth Development Center in the surrounding Fairmont community.

Valerie strongly believed her mission in life was to gently and lovingly spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.  She referred to herself as "The Walking Church", and in her most recent days on earth she gave much of her energy to doing just that on social media, or whenever she encountered family, friends and strangers. She'd leave you with an encouraging word from the Lord, a prayer and her beautiful bright smile. Valerie enjoyed the simple pleasures of life like reading, long nature walks, fellowship, old school R&B and Jazz with DJ Tony Neal, good food and her favorite color, purple.  However, absolutely nothing could substitute her love for her grandchildren.

Valerie will be welcomed on the other side of the river by a wealth of family members who preceded her, including her infant son, Willie Robinson, husband, Michael Proctor, father, Henry A. Goldson, Jr., Grandparents: Henry Sr. and Juanita Goldson, Grandmother, Sarah Harris, Sister, Deborah Lynette Goldson, Niece: Natasha D. Goldson, close cousins; John Melvin (Bobby) Washington, Anita Joyce Warner, Cheryl Renee (Sherry) Williamson Freeman, Damon Atkins Jr. (Sonny), Simone Renee Collins, Kassia  Williamson. Aunts; Melnee Harris, Earline Atkins, Hazel Wilson, Uncles: Ronald Vernon Williamson, Milton Goldson, Damon Atkins Sr.

The memory of Valerie's presence in life will be cherished by her children, Willie (Pooter) Robinson of Hagerstown, MD and Kiesha Graham (Damion)  Capitol Heights, MD, Michael Proctor Jr., Charles County MD, and Keith Proctor, Prince George's County MD. Grandchildren: Dae'Juhn Robinson, Willie Robinson Jr., Damion Graham Jr., Silas Robinson, and her great-grand daughter Kali Robinson who she called "Goodness".  Mother, Josephine Merchant, Fairmont, WV Siblings: Toni Goldson Inyama, Atlanta, GA, Gail Goldson, Lithonia, GA, Veronique Riley, College Park, GA, Avis Davis, College Park, GA. Brother: Michael Goldson, Lithonia, GA, Aunts: Claudette Warner, Mount Pocono, PA, Lois Goldson Moore, Fairmont, WV, Margie Collins, Imperial, PA, Gardenia Williamson, Fairmont, WV, Uncles: Elliott L. Goldson, Port St. Lucie, FL, David T. Goldson, Macon, GA and an extensive and wide-ranging group of nieces, nephew, cousins and friends.

Home going services for Valerie will be held at the home church, Morning Star, Saturday, September 19, 2020.  Remaining in compliance with CDC standards due to COVID-19, ( masks are required ) and in the interest of family and friends, the viewing and funeral service will be held on the same day.  Viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be entrusted to Evergreen cemetery…

Acknowledgement

The family of Valerie Proctor would like to gratefully thank and acknowledge Stauffers of Frederick, MD and Domico's Funeral Home all who have showed our family love and support at this time.

Pallbearers

Michael Goldson

Damion Graham

Joseph Riley

Jahmoni Riley

D'Kwon Harris

Chancellor Harris