On December 26, 2022, Valerie Wyant born to Vernon and Rosa Clay on July 20, 1938, passed away peacefully after a long and devastating battle with dementia. How do we sum up her life in just a couple of lines? We could tell you about how she collected turtles, that she could grow a beautiful garden, that she enjoyed reading and genealogy, that she threw an epic yard sale or that she was terrified of snakes. What we really want people to know about her is how well she loved and was loved in return.

Val had five children, Butch Wyant (Tracy), Debi Guns (John), Kelly Sawyer (Len), Robin Helthall (Steve), Susan Barker (Michael); many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and even a few great-great-grandchildren. She loved every single one of us deeply and she made sure we knew it. She showed up for graduations, recitals, birthdays, and proms. She let us know she was proud; often by exclaiming "Alright!" She was always available to hem a pair of pants, sew a button or remove a stain. She loved to whistle while she worked. Her babysitting skills were top notch, as were her hugs. She was always accepting of our friends and significant others and would effortlessly take them in and make them a part of the family.

Holidays were often spent at her house. We had Easter egg hunts and summer holiday pool parties. She made a gorgeously decorated pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving and put dimes in our cabbage for good luck on New Year's. Christmas was especially memorable though. She hosted a huge Christmas breakfast, was a generous gift giver, and her monkey ball cake became a Christmas family tradition. She brought us all together and helped us create so many memories.

As our extended family expanded, it got harder to all be in one place for celebrations. The big parties at her house were replaced with smaller, separate gatherings. May she rest in peace knowing that we'll all be together again in one place to celebrate her life. After all, she was the matriarch, the glue, the head of the family. We are all here, quite literally, because of her, and we are so grateful for all that she gave us.

We love you!

In honor of our mother the family will be having a private celebration of her life. Family and friends please raise a glass, say a prayer, or make a memorial donation to one of her favorite charities: The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Foundation.

Thank you so much for your love and support.