Barbara Jean (Steward) Valentine, 91, went home to be with the Lord in her Akron, Ohio home July 29, 2025. Barbara was born on April 19, 1934, to Mary Gaynell Scott and George Atlas Steward. She was raised with one sibling, brother Robert Steward.
Barbara married William E. Valentine, Jr of Louisville, Kentucky. Together they had 6 children, 1 girl and 5 boys. They divorced and Barbara remained single for the balance of her life.
Barbara graduated from Akron Central High School and later was employed by St. Thomas Hospital as a med-tech, the only job she ever held, retiring after 43 years of service. She attended Second Baptist Church of Akron and later Mt. Olive Baptist Church, until she was unable to continue attending due to illness. Music was a large part of her life. At Mt. Olive, she was a faithful member of the choir, singing soprano. Barbara was a soprano with Akron Symphony Orchestra’s Gospel Meets Symphony Chorus. She was also a member of the balcony chorus for Akron Symphony’s production of Gershwin and Heyward’s Porgy and Bess in April 2011 at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Her favorite musicians were Marian Anderson and Kenny G.
Barbara loved to travel and would take cruises to the Caribbean with daughter Sharon. Barbara was a supporter of many charitable causes such as PBS, ASPCA, Veterans groups, Civil Rights causes, missionaries abroad, and youth education/initiatives. She was also a member of the Eastern Starrs, Crestview Ave. Block Club & the Labron James Grandmothers’ Fan Club.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Mary and George; sons, Michael, Robert and Steven Valentine; daughter, Sharon Valentine; & brother, Robert Steward (of Australia).
She leaves to cherish her memory sister-in-law Diane Steward (of Australia); sons William Valentine, III, Raymond Valentine, Sr. (of Georgia), Reppond Valentine (of Tennessee) and special daughter, Brenda Chenault; grandchildren, Angeleina (Robert) Grant, William Valentine IV, Reginald Valentine, Sr., Raymond Valentine, Jr., Anthony Valentine, Nia, Collin Valentine and Stephany Gurlie; great-grandchildren, Kayonna, Elisha, Camaree, Devonte, Carter, Reginald, II, Kaylese, Halo, Radiance, Ezekiel and Rebel and a host of other family and friends both here and abroad.