Valerie Edwards

Valerie Ann Edwards, age 14, passed away Monday, July 26th. She had just completed seventh grade at Hewitt Middle School in Trussville, Alabama. She enjoyed spending time with her family and going to school. She especially loved sitting with her favorite dogs, Jake and Meredith and watching her favorite movie, Despicable Me. Valerie recently became an aunt when her nephew, James Allen Henson was born in September. Valerie smiled and laughed every time she saw James Allen. Though she could not communicate as others do, it is clear to those close to her that she had an enormous amount of love and joy in her life.

Valerie was the founding member of the special education program at Margaret Elementary School. Before Valerie, there was not a classroom for children with special needs and no opportunity to attend school at Margaret as other children could. Valerie’s family pushed for such an environment to be created and they succeeded. Valerie loved her friends and the staff at Margaret Elementary. The program has continued to grow and has allowed many children like Valerie to laugh, play, and learn.

Valerie was the youngest child of Terry and Mary Edwards. She was a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and cousin. She leaves behind her siblings: Mollie, Melanie, Terry Jr., and Alex, two brothers-in-law, and her grandmother Ira Mae Howard. She is preceded in death by and will be reunited with her Uncles Hank Edwards and Robert Howard Jr., her cousins Jennifer Edwards, Cheryl Howard, and her grandparents Doris and John Edwards and Robert Earl Howard, Sr.

Valerie had a difficult journey and had numerous hospital stays, doctor appointments, and surgeries. Through all of that, she was able to find and express the love and joy she experienced in this life. The family would like to offer their gratitude to family, friends, and the staff at Children’s Hospital of Alabama for the abundant love, care, and compassion given to Valerie. Funeral services will be held July 31st at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.