Valerie M. Green's Obituary
Valerie Michele Green was born on August 1, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, to William Franklin Green and the late Frankie Lee Campbell Green. She was the second of three children born to this union and was affectionately known by her brothers as "The Boss" a title that reflected her strength, leadership, and loving authority.
At an early age, Valerie confessed her hope in Christ and began a lifelong walk of faith. She was a devoted member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and Yahweh Tabernacle Deliverance in Chicago, Illinois, and later Destiny Church in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. After relocating to Mississippi, she united with Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church in Pocahontas, Mississippi, where she faithfully served as a member of the Mission Society. Valerie was a woman of unwavering faith whose warm, radiant smile and generous spirit reflected her belief that God was her refuge and strength.
Valerie's educational journey began in the public schools of Chicago, Illinois, and continued after her family moved to Hoffman Estates and later Schaumburg. She graduated from Schaumburg High School on June 7,1984. In the fall of that year, she enrolled at Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Accounting in May 1988.
Guided by the example of her mother and her deep love for children, Valerie later answered the call to education. She enrolled at Jackson State University, earning a Master of Arts degree in Teaching. This achievement launched a distinguished career spanning more than 26 years with the Jackson Public School District, where she served as an Elementary Teacher at Barr Elementary School, Raines Elementary School and Galloway Elementary School.
Valerie was a passionate advocate for children and education. She firmly believed that all children could learn and dedicated her life to ensuring they did. Her excellence in the classroom was widely recognized. Notably, she was honored as Teacher of the Year five times, a testament to her commitment, skill, and impact. Beyond the classroom, Valerie served with pride as PTA President at Adhiambo School, where she worked tirelessly to strengthen the partnership between families, educators, and the community. To many students and colleagues, she was simply "one of the best teachers ever."
Valerie's legacy continues through her beloved daughter, Mariah Elaine Michele Green; her cherished granddaughter, Ah'Leah Green; her trusted companion, Mandy the Cat; and the countless children whose lives she touched through her teaching, mentorship, and love.
Along with her daughter and granddaughter, Valerie leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted father, Willam Franklin Green of Schaumburg, IL; her brothers William Jeffrey (Ruby) Green of Racine, WI; Marcus Prescott (Ramyka) Green of Schaumburg, IL; Drake (Lisa) Carpenter and Garrett Carpenter of Elburn, IL; her sister, Tammy Hampton of Chicago, IL; her special cousin, Ricky Hampton of Chicago, IL as well as her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends, coworkers, and an entire community forever changed by her life.
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