In his infinite wisdom and gentle grace, Almighty God reached down from Heaven and whispered ever so quietly to one of His children these words, “Come with me my daughter, for it’s time to go home.” And so it was that on Thursday, January 1, 2026, God closed the eyes of our beloved Valerie
Valerie was born on September 13, 1957, to Theodore “Buck” and Catherine “Kitty” Wilson, in Akron, Ohio. She celebrated most of her life with us, here in Akron. She attended and graduated from East High School in 1975. Afterwards, she started her working career at General Tire where she worked for 22 years. She worked for three years at Sterling Jewelers and finally retired from Akron Children’s Hospital after 20 years of service as a Financial Counselor and Patient Accounting Representative.
In the spring of 1981, after a mutual friend’s introduction, she married Frederick Vaughn of Struthers, Ohio. A few short years later a child was born whom they named Wayne. Valerie and Fred celebrated 44 years of marriage
Valerie’s church life started at Robert Street Church of God, which later became Arlington Church of God. She touched members at Macedonia Baptist Church where she, at the time, organized the church directory. After many years of attending House of the Lord, she ended her journey at Mount Calvary Baptist Church after serving as a deaconess.
God gifted Valerie with an artistic eye and hand which led her to create many arts and crafts from painting, and ceramics, to quilting blankets. Valerie possessed many talents. The brightest flare being making jewelry: necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more. She would spend hours perfecting her craft and creating her pieces. With an impressive catalog of jewelry, she eventually began to sell her pieces to family, friends, and whomever else was interested.
Valerie is preceded in death by her father, Theodore R. Wilson, Jr., and brother-in-law, Bishop Randy Clark.
Valerie leaves to cherish her memory husband Frederick Vaughn, son Wayne Vaughn, mother, Catherine Wilson, sister, Kimberly Clark, in-laws, LeRoy (Thelma) Vaughn, Roderick (Suzie) Vaughn, Darrell (Ritza) Vaughn, special sister, Natalie Wyche, many loved nieces and nephews, and a host of family and friends.
Valerie will forever be in our hearts.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 442 Bell St, Akron, OH 44307. Funeral service will immediately follow.