Valerie Pryor

surrounded by family and friends, at the Sacred Journey Hospice in McDonough, GA,

after a long illness.

Valerie was born on July 27, 1948 in Mount Vernon, NY and was raised in Port Chester,

NY by the late William Earl and Ruth Mae (Crews) Davis. There she was a member of

Bethesda Baptist Church where she was very active in the Youth Choir and the Junior

Ushers.

Valerie graduated from Port Chester Senior High School in 1966 where she was a key

member of the Touring and A Capella Choirs, and the Civil Rights Club. She attended

The Westchester Business Institute, then started her professional career with the Avon

Corporation and later General Foods.

In 1974 Valerie moved with her dear friend, Barbara Thomas, to Atlanta, GA, in search of

other cultural and career opportunities. She continued her career in Georgia where she

worked at Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Act (MARTA),Greyhound Lines, Inc.,

Morehouse College and The Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM). While at MSM, Valerie

was an active member of the Friends of MSM, the Staff employee Council and Lé Comité for

Social Events.

Valerie formed long-term friendships at MSM that would become her extended family.

She worked as an Executive Assistant in several departments, retiring after 23 years in 2008.

Valerie was married to Lindsey Pryor and to this union her beloved son, Jahmal

Lindsey Pryor, was born. Valerie was a supportive and devoted mother throughout Jahmal’s

life. They enjoyed sharing the love of basketball as well as his musical career.

Valerie loved the annual Caribbean cruises that she shared with her sister Jean and niece,

Loni. She looked forward to celebrating annual birthdays with her Port Chester High School

Family as well as with the MSM Golden Divas. Valerie also enjoyed dancing and appreciated

a variety of music. She will be remembered most for her flair for style (especially her love for

animal prints, sequins, and her sunglasses!), her laughter, her commitment and willingness

to always support her family and friends.

Valerie is survived by her sisters, Hilda M. Gordon and Jean A. Davis-French;

sister-in-law Olga McDonald; nephews, Charles Gordon (Jennifer), Kevin Gordon,

David Gordon (Neishel), Michael Gordon (Elizabeth) and Anthony Reyes; nieces, Gail

Gordon, Jennifer Gordon and Lonya (Loni) French Davis (Louis); and a host of cousins,

family and friends. She is predeceased by her parents, William and Ruth Davis, son,

Jahmal Pryor and brother, Roger Earl McDonald.