Queen Ollie B. Valentine

Queen Ollie B. Valentine, 91, of Bonds Avenue, South Bend, Indiana went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.  Ollie was born April 25, 1928 in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Ed and Gertrude Blanch, who both preceded her in death; along with three children: Gertie Valentine, Lavern Valentine and Harry Valentine; and also her six siblings. 

Queen Ollie left four generations behind to follow her legacy. She was a hard worker, from a young age to her old age. She started in the cotton field, cleaning houses, factory work and to her last job, as janitor of Greater Mount Moriah Church where she was a member for more than 60 years. She also sang in the choir, she was a Sunday School Teacher, along with many other ('hats') when asked.

Our Queen wanted all of us to know Christ; she would use the words “get close to God.” She did her duty taking us to church when we were young. After we grew up, she would remind us you need to “get close to God.” 

Queen Ollie had a sense of humor, some would take offence, while others would think of it as humorous. Queen made a statement in the kitchen. She was well known for her hot-water cornbread, candied yams, homemade ice cream, along with many other dishes.

 Queen loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and her friends. She loved her leaders with the utmost respect. Pastor J.S. Payne, who was leader for many years at Greater Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee and our present pastor, Reverend Andre A. McGhee, here at Greater Saint John Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors left to cherish her memory include two daughters: Mary Ann McCauley of South Bend, Indiana, and Tawana (Dexter) Ferby; five sons: Willie Valentine of Chicago, Illinois, Clarence, Larry and Lynn Valentine, all of Memphis, Tennessee and Michael Valentine of Phoenix, Arizona: several grandchildren, multiple great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren; two special nieces: Brenda MacTurch of South Bend, Indiana and Joyce MacTurch of Atlanta, Georgia; along with a host of other relatives and friends. 

Queen Ollie, we will miss you ever so much.  We love you!

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