Valerie Hill Dunbar

Born in Oak Park, Illinois on January 10, 1922, she was the daughter of Frank John and Laura Avis (Harrison) Hill.

She is survived by her two children, son Frank Dunbar and his wife Tracy and daughter Lori Leong and her husband Leonard; as well as three grandchildren, Tenaya Hinshaw, Daniel Leong and Jasen Dunbar and one great grandson Trion Hinshaw.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Warren Dunbar, and two brothers Pershing Hill and Jack Hill.

A proud lady with an independent streak, Valerie was an avid supporter of Christian missionaries, art and artists, and the Girl Scouts. She was a dancer in her youth and continued to remind everyone right up until the end that she was an “Artist and Dancer.” Perhaps her best piece of art, however, was the monumental artistry of moving her entire family - mother, father, both brothers and future husband – to California from Illinois after WWII. While the location change was accomplished to get her ailing mother to a temperate climate, the move changed everyone’s future from her immediate family to her survivors and related family living there to this day. Valerie was married to Warren directly after WWII and they celebrated 67 years together. After careers in banking and sales, she went to Pasadena City College to become a legal secretary. Always a supporter of education, Valerie took her own education and worked for a law office in Temple City, California at the completion of her studies. Valerie was most recently a member of Newburg United Methodist Church in Livonia, Michigan but was a long-time member of Arcadia Presbyterian Church in Arcadia, California. It was there her support for mission and missionaries was honed. There is no doubt the mission field was blessed by her energy for the cause. Valerie defined herself by her ability to help others. She loved every hymn she ever sang. She loved sewing, painting, crafts, and talking to anyone who would come near. She will be remembered for her love of hats, beautiful jewelry (most of it made by her husband), and her dry sense of humor (up to the very end). Education and access to education was a hallmark of both Valerie and Warren. To honor that commitment, a scholarship fund will be named in their memory at Newburg United Methodist Church and monies given out every year in perpetuity to deserving students pursuing all levels of education.

A livestream memorial service will be held on August 29, at 2:00 pm with Dr. Frank Dunbar presiding.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Valerie, donations for the scholarship fund may be received by:

Newburg United Methodist Church, 36500 Ann Arbor Trail, Livonia, MI 48150. Please put Warren and Valerie Dunbar Scholarship in the memo line.