It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Valerie Ruth Stalnaker, who passed away on April 1, 2024, at the age of 72.
Born on June 22, 1951, in Alachua County, Gainesville, Florida, she grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and later moved to the metro Washington D.C. area. She was a dedicated and loving wife to her late husband, Thomas Lee Stalnaker, who passed away in 2001. She remained a devoted mother to her two children: Kelly Hoag (Andrew) and Alexander Stalnaker (Brandi) and grandmother to her four granddaughters Kathryn, Lauren, Isla and Kenna. She is also survived by her six siblings: Cheryl Pitt (Harry), Judy Andrews (Paul), Kimberly Cykman, Allison Braddock (Craig), Dawn Bliss (Mike), and Wayne Gray (Katie).
Valerie lived a fulfilling life and was a woman of many talents. She had a passion for reading, family and her faith. Her belief in the Lord was the bedrock of her life and she displayed its importance daily. She had a gregarious laugh, sense of humor and loved family gatherings with her six siblings. She played French horn in high school, earned her bachelors’ degree and taught high school English and history for several years. Valerie and Tom then moved to Leesburg, VA in 1996 and became business partners with Greg Wigfield and Bill Nickerson at National Church Group Insurance Agency (NCG). She retired as a Vice President at NCG in 2021.
Valerie was a kind and generous soul, always putting others’ needs before her own. She served as a member of the Washington Reginal Transplant Community’s Doner Family Counsel. Her love and compassion extended to all those who knew her, and she will be remembered for her infectious smile and warm personality.
