VALERIE J JONES

**Obituary for Valerie J. Jones**

VALERIE BUTCHER JONES was born to the late Lawrence and Elizabeth Butcher on July 23, 1949, in Amonate, Virginia.

She loved to paint, help the “underdog” and play slots at the casino. She gave thanks EVERYDAY to her Lord Jesus Christ for all the blessings He had given her.

After graduating from Big Creek High School in War, WV, Valerie attended West Virginia State College for two years on an academic scholarship. In 1969, she took a break from college and moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she met her “soulmate” Larry Jones from Elizabeth City, NC. They married in 1971 and welcomed their son, Jeffery Jones. Valerie and Larry later divorced in 1974.

While working full-time at the United States Postal Service at night, she attended The Ohio State University as a part-time student during the day. Valerie finally graduated in March 1979 with a B.S degree in Microbiology with minors in Chemistry and Math.

In 1981, she accepted a lucrative job offer with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and moved to Chicago, IL. She held several management positions during her 24-year tenure with the Agency. Valerie also “gave back” by teaching high school math at Chicago Job Corps for three years.


In 2005, Valerie returned to Columbus, Ohio, with her son. She continued giving back by becoming a substitute teacher with Columbus City Schools. She was happy to be retired and live closer to her siblings.


Valerie is preceded in death by her sisters, Hazel Mae Williams and Gracie Belle (Jahue) Diggs, and brothers, Bobby Darin Butcher and Bernard Edward (Patricia) Butcher.


She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Jeff, three sisters, five brothers, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many close friends.


Valerie will be deeply missed and ALWAYS LOVED!