Valerie A. Williams

Valerie Ann Williams, 78 of Gary Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026.  

Valerie was born June 7, 1947, to Annietta Louise and Josephus Wilson in Dayton, Ohio. She became a Gary resident over 40 years ago and remained a proud resident of Gary until her passing. Valerie obtained her bachelor’s degree from Wright State University followed by a master’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in literature from Valparaiso University. Her love of literacy and education led her to a teaching career in the Gary Public School system at Roosevelt High School for 36 years until she retired.  

Teacher, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and servant are labels she wore proudly. She was our constant guide, a source of comfort, humorous with boatloads of love.  Valerie was a petite powerhouse with an infectious laugh and warm smile.    She loved books, British movies, Clydesdale horses, vintage shops, basketball and weekend outings.  She was often touted as “B-ball granny” because of her love for the game.  Valerie was a committed prayer intercessor and belonged to various intercessory ministries over the course of her life.  

Valerie married the love of her life, Emmanuel Williams, in 1984. Together, they became the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl affectionately named Starr Michelle.  She remained a faithful, loving wife until Emmanuel’s passing in 2005.

Valerie departed this life on Friday, February 13th at 3:55 a.m. surrounded by her family. She is preceded in death by her husband of 21 years Emmanuel Williams and both mother and father, Annietta and Josephus Wilson.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory: daughter Starr Michelle; Bonus daughter Michon (Jerry); brother, Bruce (Demetria); sister, Alva Wilson; grandson, William Young IV, and a host of family, friends and special loved ones.