Valerie Kay (Willis) Grace

Valerie Kay (Willis) Grace was born in Columbus, Ohio on June 19, 1961. Valerie attended Brentnell Elementary School, Duxberry Avenue Elementary, and Licking Heights Elementary, Middle, and High School. In 1979, Valerie graduated from high school. One year prior, she staged a sit-in regarding the King National Holiday. Family was very important to her, she enjoyed taking cross country trips for family reunions. Traveling was one of her favorite things to do, and because of this, she did not mind traveling the country with her husband during his military career. On November 28, 2014, at the age of 53, Valerie passed away while at home. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ann C. (Taylor) Willis, grandmother, Hattie Taylor, aunts, Charlene Dubois and Shirley Taylor. She is survived by her husband, John Wesley Grace; father, Pinckney S. Willis, Sr.; sisters, Crystal L. Willis, Diana L. Willis, and Jewel A. Willis; brother, Pinckney S. Willis, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.