Heidi Lee Valveri

1973 - 2023

Heidi Lee Valveri, age 50, passed away on November 29, 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida with Jim, her loving husband of over twenty-eight years by her side.

Heidi, daughter of Linda Carol Lee and the late David Scott Lee, was born on February 27, 1973 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. She lived in Fort Walton Beach until she moved to Destin, Florida in 1985. Heidi grew up attending Kenwood Elementary School, Bruner Middle School and Fort Walton Beach High School, where she graduated in 1991. She then went on to attend Florida State University, graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.

On September 9, 1995, she married James Michael Valveri in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. They lived in Long Beach, California, where she attended California State University earning a masters degree in Early Childhood Education. They also lived in Chicago, Illinois; Tampa, Florida; and eventually settled in Tallahassee, Florida in 2003.

During the early years of their marriage, Heidi taught elementary school, primarily focusing on the early childhood grades. Although she stopped her career as a teacher to raise her family, she never stopped educating. Her love for children and teaching was present throughout her entire life. It was evident in her interactions with her own children, nieces, nephews and cousins. Eventually it led her to become an ambassador for Love One International, a charity that centers its efforts on rehabilitating malnourished children in Uganda.

Heidi's greatest love was her boys. Whether field trips or traveling the country for lacrosse tournaments, she was all in on supporting their activities. She spent many summers growing up in Destin playing in the Choctawhatchee Bay and went on to teach her boys to love the water as well. She spent countless hours on the boat with her family and her true happy place was the beach. When not in a pool, bay or on the beach, Heidi enjoyed reading, shopping and decorating. Through the years, she enjoyed trips with the family to several islands in the Caribbean and never missed a year skiing in Park City, Utah.

Heidi was dedicated to her family and friends, and her smile would light up every room.

Heidi is survived by her husband, James Michael Valveri; and their three sons, Bryce James Valveri, Grant David Valveri and Cole Sullenger Valveri. She is also survived by her mother, Linda Carol Lee; and brother, David Scott Lee, Jr and his wife, Amanda, and their children, Davidson, Naomi and Elena. She will be missed by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach, 126 Harbeson Avenue Southeast, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548 on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. An opportunity for visitation with the family will be held prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Heidi will be laid to rest following the service in a private family ceremony at Brooks Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Heidi's favorite charity, Love One International. https://give.loveoneint.org/fundraiser/4466469

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Homes and Crematory. To view the service via livestream, and post remembrances, condolences and photos to the tribute wall, please visit www.daviswatkins.com. Heidi Lee Valveri