Valerie Sturgeon

Valerie James Sturgeon On Saturday, March 19, 2022 Heavenly trumpets sounded in a peal of welcome for Valerie James Sturgeon. She was the daughter of the late Louie E. and Olivia Mae Watts James. She was born in Darlington County on October 1, 1921. Valerie was greeted by her beloved husband George, her youngest daughter Kathleen Sturgeon Fambrough, brothers Luddrick and L.E. James, sisters Grace Shoemake and Jeanette Davis, and her sons-in-laws Maurice Fambrough and Sherrill Smith. The family members she leaves behind are her daughter Lenora Smith of Columbia, her son George M. “Pete” Sturgeon (Gladys) of Darlington and Myrtle Beach, a sister Myrtice Olenick of Columbia, 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was a dedicated employee of Dixie Cup where she retired with over 30 years of service. A member of The First Original Free Will Baptist Church for over 60 years and a member of the Ladies’ Sunday School Class. Valerie lived her life as an example and mentor of faith. She loved God and lived each day with scripture on her mind and in her words. When visiting her home there was always a warm welcome and you felt her love as you opened the door. She embodied Joshua 24:15 “ As for me and my house-we will serve the Lord.” One of her favorite verses was Psalms 119:105 “ Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light onto my path.” God was her light and her smile reflected His love and warmth. Kindness and trust was seen as she lived Proverbs 3: 5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” Valerie poured out her life in generous amounts of comfort and forgiveness to everyone as in 2 Timothy 4: 6-8. “ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand…I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race…” She has kept true to our Lord and now is her time to rest in His Kingdom. May we remember Valerie and her guidance with Matthew 6: 9-13. “ Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name…” Visitation will be Tuesday March 22, 11:30-12:30 at the funeral home, followed by a graveside service at Darlington Memorial Gardens at 1PM. Memorials may be made to: The First Original Free Will Baptist Church, 231 Syracuse Street, Darlington, S.C. 29532 or to a charity of your choice. The directors at Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family.