She was born on June 30th, 1947 in Lake Worth, Florida. Her parents, Walter and Ruth Johnson instilled in her a love of reading, poetry, art and nature. She often marveled at the sight of a full moon. Valerie Celery, as her sisters often affectionately referred to her due to her height, grew up minutes from the ocean and often recalled liking to listen the sound of the waves. She graduated with honors from Palm Beach Junior College and then moved to Tampa to obtain a degree from USF with an interest in speech pathology. During this time, she met her husband Dean and enjoyed over 50 years of life together. They made their home in Tampa and while very content to be home raising her two daughters, Valerie was also a staunch and unwaveringly loyal supporter of her husband’s business endeavors. She left her subtle, understated mark at the Tarot Pub, Kosta Products, and Land and Sea Market to name a few. Many a young customer may remember getting a lollipop and a warm smile from her at the cash register. While preferring to let other, more talkative, family members dominate the conversation, she was quite funny, and enjoyed many perfectly placed witticisms. To Valerie, what was most important, was her role as a mother. She displayed patience, encouragement and cultivation of any interest or pursuit that her girls may have had. By example, in her quiet way, she imparted a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. Valerie and Dean moved to Valrico, Florida in 1989 and she enjoyed the space and connection with neighbors and friends in the area. The joy she derived from motherhood was only exceeded by becoming a Yiayia. The sleepovers, trips to the toy store, favorite ‘fast foods’, countless books read; were wonderful times spent and all the while solidifying a lasting remembrance of her.
Valerie is predeceased by her parents and brother Harris Johnson and her brother in law Aris Hampers. She is survived by her husband Dean, her sisters Mary Gallo and Lois Yeager, her daughter Viviana Chandler (Robert) grandchildren Peter, Zachary, and Evangelina, her daughter Marisa Panopoulos (Theodoros) grandchildren Demetri and Isadora.
A visitation for Valerie will be held Monday, January 15, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609 with a Trisagion Service beginning at 6:00 PM. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 12:00 PM at the St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 2418 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33609. Internment will follow at 2:00 PM at Garden of Memories, 4207 E Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610.
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