Valerie Lillian Cole-James

“Charm is deceptive and beauty disappears, but a woman who honors the LORD should be praised. Give her credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone.” (Proverbs 31:30–31) VALERIE LILLIAN COLE-JAMES, born in Baltimore, Maryland, March 9, 1956, was the eldest of Leonard and Anita Hardy Cole’s seven children. She departed this life suddenly, yet peacefully, on May 31, 2020. In her early years, Valerie was raised by her paternal grandparents, William and Lillian Minor-Cole. They provided the cushion of acceptance and support that she needed and later shared with many. She rejoined her family of origin when she was ready to begin kindergarten. Valerie was educated at St. Ambrose School, Baltimore; Western High School (1974); and University of Maryland, College Park (1978). Valerie took her “chief sibling” role seriously, becoming a supportive and trusted advisor to her brothers and sisters, and later to a large family of friends. She met Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Phillip James, Jr. in 1994 and they married in 1999. At the end of her life, she and Phillip were blessed to share their home with their son, Phillip, and their grandchildren, Sage and Reed. Just a few days before her death, Valerie completed the Facebook 7 day Love My Husband Challenge, posting daily photos to celebrate her 21-year marriage. Valerie loved GOD. A member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Baltimore, since 1961 she received all of the sacraments of the faith, including last rites on May 31, 2020. She served her church in many capacities including former Parish Council President and usher. Over the course of her working life, Valerie was employed by Maryland National Bank, Baltimore City Department of Social Services, and the Maryland State Highway Administration — Right-of-Way Division. She retired from the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation. At the time of her passing, she worked as a realty specialist for Diversified Property Services, Inc., and continued as a member and officer of the International Right of Way Association. Inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority on March 9, 1990, she transferred her chapter affiliation to Alpha Alpha Sigma Chapter in 1992 and has been a Life Member of the sorority since 2004. She held the office of financial secretary for more than 25 years. She also served as recording secretary and Founder’s Day Chair. She was a constant friend to many, especially Marguerite Bradley, Regina Ravenell, Sonia Foreman and Gina Anthony. She was an active, present godmother for her godchildren: Dana, Britney, Jacqueline, William, Joshua and Mary. Her home was the family gathering place. Each of her nieces and nephews was graced by her loving support. Only GOD knows how one woman was able to bestow loving kindness upon so many people. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Lillian Cole, and her father, Leonard E. Cole. Valerie Lillian Cole-James leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory: her beloved husband of twenty years, Phillip James, Jr.; her son: Phillip III; her grandchildren, Sage and Reed James; six siblings: Karen Wouldridge, Charita Brown, Kelvin Cole (Andrea), Ernestine Nelson (Emory Sr.), Linda Little (Ronald) and Martin Cole; sixteen nieces and nephews: Jacqueline (David), Liana, Anita, Alecia, Emory Jr., Brandon, Erica, William, Christopher, Camryn, Maiya, Crystal, Victoria, Xavier, Joshua and Jasmyn; one great nephew, Clayton and one aunt: Betty Cole; devoted cousin: Lela Richardson; parents-in-love: Donald and Ruth Holman; two sisters-in-love: Elizabeth ones and Michelle Smith; her special friends, including the Buffalo oldiers Motor Cycle Club of Central MD; six godchildren; her sorors of The Sigma Gamma Rho Alpha Alpha Sigma Chapter, and a host Interment Details: Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery June 17, 2020 Time: 11:30 am

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Valerie Lillian Cole-James

March 9, 1956 - May 31, 2020