Brenda Valles

Brenda Valles, age 68, of Gulfport, passed away on April 2, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Theresa Holley and Jack Holley; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her spouse of 30 years, Wayne Pilgrim; her children, Jean Valles (Dennis Wackett) and Eric Valles (Whitney); 2 siblings, Wayne Holley (Debbie) and Jacquelyn Holley (Randy); her grandchildren, Julia Russell, Phoenix Valles, Joseph Russell, Brady Wackett, Jay Hegwood, Sophie Hegwood, Collin Gonzales, and Corbin Valles; her dear friends, Sheila Curtis and Mildred Bolden.

Mrs. Valles received her undergraduate degree in Special Education and her masters degree in education from the University of Southern Mississippi.   She was a special education teacher in Louisiana and Mississippi for many years.  She also served as an interventionist in Gulfport Schools and Harrison County Schools and retired as the Director of Special Education for Harrison County Schools.  She taught thousands of kids how to read and used her position to advocate for those kids with special needs.  

She was passionate about her family and friends.  She believed in the importance of literacy and education.   She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved saving money as much as she liked to shop.  She adored her dog, “Cali.” 

The family would like to thank Dr. Olivia Hightower and ger staff, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Deaconess Hospice. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the Pink Hearts Fund, 5095 Beatline Road, Long Beach, MS 39560.

A visitation will be on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 4 – 6 pm at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach.  

Online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com