John Bligh
- Paraprofessional
- P721K Occupational Training Center
She had style, she had moves, she had a caring character and she had a school community that loved her. Valerie Wilson, a 65-year-old paraprofessional, indeed will be missed by students and staff at the PS 721 Occupational Training Center in Brooklyn.
“She was like a mother to everyone,” teacher Eminem Bicer said. “She was an amazing listener. You would forget all your problems around her.”
Valerie loved helping others, particularly the students in her care. She loved to show off her sense of fashion and exuded positive energy everywhere she went.
Aliyah Ladson, a lifelong friend of Valerie’s, said she was warm and caring. “Since I was a little girl, she acted as an older sister for me, looking out for me in the neighborhood to make sure I did not get into any trouble,” she said. “As an adult, she was still checking in and sending spiritual words.”
Valerie also enjoyed dancing and traveling. Her husband was planning to take her on her dream vacation, a cruise to the Bahamas, as a gift for her 66th birthday. The cruise, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis, had originally been scheduled to leave on April 16 — nine days after Valerie’s death.
Besides her husband, Valerie is survived by two sons and a daughter.
I worked with Valerie at P.S. 37. She was a pleasure to work with. I am so saddened by her passing.
She was in my theatre classroom daily and was the most committed, loving, patient, and kind person. She always had a personal story to share when we dug deep into theatre literature, which is the whole point! Developing empathy and humanity. I am so sad she left us too soon, plus she was supposed to retire. What a terrible thing, to work all your life and never get to rest “under your own vine and fig tree”. Valerie of all people deserved to enjoy her late years. I am still so heartbroken. Our kids will never get over it.
I have not seen Valerie since I left PS 721. But I recognized her the minute I sadly scrolled upon her name and face. She was a wonderful woman who was kind and caring. Though we did not work together for a long time, she was always wonderful and kind.
My S.I.S. Sister in Spirit will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to the family
This woman was so sweet. The sweetest. I barely knew her and she would always say hello until I answered in return. It would be often delayed because I would be constantly observing my kids as a dean. I’ll always recall how she would always engage me in the latest movies which catered to African-American concerns like The Hate U Give and Just Mercy when I would open the elevator for her. She would tell me that she either saw it or plan on seeing it that weekend. I still can’t believe that she is gone because she was so pure and visible at John Dewey. Ms. Wilson , I wish that I gave you more than you gave us. Rest in pease sweet lady. My condolences to her family.
My deepest condolences goes out for the family ! .Valerie always enlightened my day with her Beautiful religious posts I am deeply sorry for your loss. Pat & Carmine Matteo
Valerie, I will always remember your way with Danielle when working at P.S.37. Your faith in God and Jesus was so beautiful!
For your family, may God guide u through the pain in this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with u.☮️✝️
Truly so sorry for the family’s loss. Pray that you can support each other during this most trying time and celebrate her beautiful life.
My condolences to the Wilson Family!
My condolences to the Wilson Family My heart goes out to you in this horrible time .Love you guys so sorry xoxoxo
To Valerie’s family my condolences to the family and may God give you the strength to carry on Sleep in heavenly Paradise Queen Valerie
A GOD FEARING women Who LOVED the LORD..She SHOWED that AGAPA love to all❤️
Valerie you will truly be MiSsed by all, Such a BEAUTIFUL person inside and out..I STILL CANT BELIEVE that you are gone..I have peace knowing your in a better place…Until we meet again, May your BEAUTIFUL SOUL S.I.P❤️
I had the pleasue to work with Valerie, any time i seen her she always had a kind word and the warmest hug you can receive from a person, her smile lit up any room she entered. Valerie will truly be missed from her K721 family. Rest in heavenly peace Valerie. God had truly gained an amazing Angel. ❤
Valerie you always had that big smile on your face. You always cared for others and made it your business to do a wellness check on everyone. You are an amazing woman who would put God first in every aspect of your life. Thank you for all of your prayers. You formed strong bonds with your 721K family. You are truly missed and will always be remembered. I pray that God will comfort your family in this tough time. Forever my sister in God…Rest In Eternal Peace.
Rest in peace dear lady.
A Beautiful Person in every way! Always had kind words and the warmest hug. I know when I worked there she always had a smile of her face. RIP Val.