Valerie Wilson Smith, 84, of Hampton passed away on Wednesday, December 26 ^th at Sentara Nursing Center.

Valerie was born in Raleigh, NC to the late Rufus Aaron Wilson, Sr. and Elizabeth Mitchell Wilson.  She received her early education in Raleigh Public Schools.  After graduating from North Carolina Central College, she moved to Hampton, Virginia where she was an educator in the Newport News and Hampton City Schools until she retired in 1996.

Valerie married Lee Otis Smith, Sr. in 1958 and to that union three sons and one daughter were born.  She was preceded in death by her husband (former) and oldest son, Lee Otis (Chip Smith).  She is survived by her sons, Darryl Smith, Kevin Smith (Cynthia); daughter, Nicole Smith; daughter-in-law, Tina Smith; grandchildren, David, Erica, Corey, Lauren, and Blake; great granddaughter, Laila; sister, Natalie W. Perkins (Grady); a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Friday, January 4, 2019 at Bethel Church in Hampton, Virginia.  Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the hour of the service.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.