Lydia Valentine

Lydia Mae Valentine was born in Sparta, on Feb. 17, 1952, and passed away to be with the Lord on Feb. 18, 2022. Lydia grew up with her family in Elkin, where she attended Oak Grove Elementary School and Elkin High School. Growing up Lydia enjoyed spending the weekends and summers with her Uncle Ferrell, Aunt Ina, and Grandma Mae on their farm. She enjoyed time playing on the farm with her cousins, who were more like brothers. By the age of five, Lydia had two dreams: to be a nurse and go to California. Her first job was at JCPenney's as a window dresser in high school. Lydia, like her mother Hazel and sister Mary Valentine, loved to sew and create clothes. Lydia attended Surry Community College where she pursued a degree in Nursing. Lydia worked hard in nursing school and through prayer and persistence graduated June 5, 1976. Lydia's dreams came true when she moved to California to live and work. She worked as a Registered Nurse in various hospital departments for 35 years. Most of her years as a RN were spent working at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Los Angeles, CA, where she was known as "Val." Lydia loved working and taking care of patients, while becoming a mentor to other nurses on her team. During her 35 years of nursing and many years after she gave many friends and families medical advice to help them with their own personal wellbeing. Nursing was truly Lydia's gift from God. Lydia lived the life of a Christian. She learned at an early age to love and trust God. She was taught to "Always treat people the way you want to be treated" and lived up to this standard in all aspects of her life. She was a member of Faith Tabernacle Holy Church of God in Galax, VA, up until her passing. Lydia and her sister Mary were very close. She was always doing what she could to help her family. Lydia always wanted to be a mother, and finally had a daughter, Hazel Darlyn-Feythe Valentine. She referred to her as her "first, last, and only." After retiring, Lydia could be found trying new recipes and trying to be a "gourmet cook." When she wasn't cooking you could find her helping out at her daughters' business, at the beach, or spending time with friends. Lydia was preceded in death by her Father Deacon Elwood and Mother Hazel Valentine. She also was also preceded in death by her loving aunts, uncles, and Bryan cousins. Lydia is survived by her daughter, Darlyn-Feythe Valentine of CA, sister Mary Valentine of NV, nieces Terry, Sadie, Serica, Kassidy of NV, and cousin James (Jackie) Bryan of NC, and Ric Thompson of NC. The family requests the honor of your presence at the funeral service to honor the life of Lydia at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 5, in the Chapel of Grandview Memorial Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Grandview Memorial Funeral Home is proudly serving the Valentine family and if you wish, online condolences may be submitted to the family at www.grandviewfuneralhome.com.