Deborah Warren Valentine

Deborah Warren Valentine, 64, passed away at her home on June 13, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 15, at 3:00 PM at Starkville First United Methodist Church with a private burial on Saturday, June 16, at 10:30 AM at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 15, prior to the service from 1-3 PM at First United Methodist Church. The Reverend Keith Pugh will officiate at the service.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Rush Valentine, Jr., and her father, Charles Warren. Survivors include one son, William Rush Valentine III and his fiancée Kristen Pittman of Miramar Beach, FL; one daughter, Mary Malinda Hill and her husband, Tyler, and their daughter, Hallie, all of Biloxi; her mother, Mary Warren of Starkville and her brother, Doug Warren of Tuscaloosa. Additional family members include an aunt, Betty Hawkins, and husband, Bill of Moody, AL; an uncle, Jack Davies of Gadsden, AL; sister-in-law Viva Valentine of Atlanta GA; and sister-in-law Margaret Valentine and children of Houston, TX.

Mrs. Valentine was born on September 17, 1953 in Palmerdale, AL. She graduated from HewittTrussville High school in 1971. She then attended the University of Alabama where she received a BA in education/biology in 1975 and a Master of Arts in Student Personnel, Higher Ed/Counseling in 1976.

After working at the University of Alabama's Athletic Department, Mrs. Valentine joined the staff of Mississippi State University where she was sponsor for the MSU Fashion Board She also had a successful career in education. She was the secondary guidance counselor at Starkville Academy and later served as academic counselor at EMCC Mayhew. She was an active member of Starkville First United Methodist Church.

Welch Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the John Croyle Big Oak Ranch, P. O. Box 507, Springfield AL 35146. The online guest register may be signed at www.welchfuneralhomesinc.com.