Valarie Joyce Mumford

Olympia- While visiting her family and childhood home in Galveston, Texas, Valarie "Val" Joyce (Thompson) Mumford left her earthly home to be with the Lord on August 27, 2002.Valarie was born in Galveston on March 5, 1952 to her devoted mother Joyce (Guidry) Thompson and her father Willie B. Thompson, Sr. who preceded his daughter in death.After graduating from Ball High School, Valarie, in 1970, enlisted in the U.S. Army at the tender age of 17 and retired honorably 22 years later, settling with her family in Olympia.While in the military, Valarie served in multiple positions, primarily in field units. She served as an Operating Room Technician and as a designated leader in multiple assignments throughout the United States and allied countries. Sergeant First Class Valarie Mumford was always respected by her peers, her subordinates, and her supervisors. Her military career culminated in her selection as a First Sergeant (1SG) of the 47th Combat Support Hospital (CSH), a position designated for a more senior noncommissioned officer. As the 1SG of the 47th CSH, based in Fort Lewis, Washington, Valarie deployed with her unit to Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf War. Her unit was designated to serve in the front lines of the combat activity in Kuwait. As a result of her exemplarily meritorious service in a combat situation, 1SG Valarie Mumford was awarded the rare and coveted Bronze Star Medal. Valarie Mumford retired from active service on July 31, 1992 as a highly decorated soldier. Valarie Mumford was a soldier for life.After retirement, Valarie became a member of the American Legion as well as participated in multiple other ancillary veterans' programs.Though disabled as a result of her military service, Valarie lived life to its fullest. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, canning her home- grown vegetables. Most impressively, Valarie devoted a significant degree of her time and energy to assisting high-risk teens and children. As a result she is referred to as "mom" by so many. As frequently as she was able, Valarie always cooked an enormous amount of food for the unexpected, though always invited friends.As well as her father, Valarie is preceded in death by three uncles.In addition to her precious mother Joyce (Guidry) Thompson, Valarie is survived by her best friend, devoted and loving husband, Gary Lee of 32 years; her beautiful and precious daughters Jamillah Joyce (Mumford) Edsall, age 25, and husband Craig; and Shamarah Marie, age 18, sister Sandra Rougeau and husband Ulice; brother Willie B. Thompson, Jr.; Mother-in-law Amelia Jones; sisters and brothers-in-law Diane, Helen, Brenda, Irene, Carolyn, Hollis, Robert, Bruce, Wayne, Percy, Iradell and their families; her Aunt Maryanne and three sons; and her nephew Rashawn, wife Barbara and their son, as well as great nephews and nieces, and many more relatives, classmates, and friends.Finally Valarie would like to mention her friends and families in the Lord: Mr. Major, the Lamar's, the Rhoden's, the Reyes'; Aunt Tootie and Uncle Lee; and her Army sisters, Carmen, Cindy, and Donna, and so many others.Public viewing services will be held at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 618 North Puget in Olympia on Thursday, September 5th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Final services will be held at Olympia Metro Church followed by burial services, with full military honors, at Tahoma National Cemetery.Donations may be made to the Valarie Mumford Memorial Fund (designated for high-risk teens and children) in care of the U.S. Bank, 5520 Martin Way E. Olympia, Washington.