Valerie’s Obituary VALERIE CROSS SPINKS, after a long and good life of 98 years, slipped away peacefully in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Rockwall, Texas. Valerie was born in Greenville, Texas on May 29, 1920. She is survived by daughters Jolene Aicklen and husband Al; Dorene Turner and husband Pat.
Granddaughters: Angela Fitzwater and husband John; Dawnyel Williams; Tiffany Hayden and husband Jeremy. Great grandchildren: Lily, Turner, Kingsley Williams and Clayton Hayden; three surviving Cousins. Her retirement from Rockwell International in 1985 after 35 years allowed her to travel the world in a way that most people would envy; by car, train, plane and ship.
She prided herself on visiting every state in the United States, as well as, Europe, South America, Israel, Middle East, Canary Islands, Mexico, Panama Canal. One of her more adventurous experiences was her ability to ride on a camel in an up-right position. However, having taught herself to drive, riding a camel was an easy accomplishment.
One of her passions was dancing, all types, from ballroom to country and western. She was a Trend Setter with her love for style and fashion; to the point of sometimes ‘ gaudy’. She made many of her clothes and won 1st prize with a clown and nurse costume.
No one could out do her when it came to yard art. She was affectionately called ‘The Yard Art Queen’. Mom was a people person and enjoyed the social gatherings at various Senior Citizen Centers and VFW Centers.
She belonged to the GET UP AND GO CLUB, 45 Plus Club and the Singles Adult Sunday School. She was an excellent cook and no one could compete with her turkey and cornbread dressing. At an early age she picked cotton, played softball and even was known to secretly chew tobacco.
A Trail Blazer, she accepted every obstacle placed in front of her as a challenge. She never complained, a lady of few words. She believed in Action over Words and her motto could have been “I DID IT MY WAY”.
She showed her love and compassion with smiles and compliments. However, her method of disagreement was to raise her left eyebrow. Mom never expected to find the ‘Pot of Gold’ at the end of the Rainbow, she just loved the colors as one could tell from her red hair, bright nail polish, big colorful earrings, Fourth of July outfits and just about any other holiday.
Mom was a caregiver who took care of her Mother until her death at age 95. Her cat, Cry Baby, was a constant enjoyment. Mom was honest, loyal, utterly without prejudice and always a loving and supportive parent.
Mom was a member of the Greatest Generation whose values will remain within us. A Mentor, Friend, Teacher, but her greatest achievement was MOTHER. Life has not ended, but merely changed.
An eternal dwelling place awaits her in Heaven. Mom was thankful for the time she spent at Christian Care Bentley Assisted Living. The entire staff and residences were her other family.
Even though she was not able to say a proper goodbye, she held each in great esteem. We will forever miss you and you will never be far from our thoughts. In lieu of flowers and in her honor, please consider making a contribution to Cumby Cemetery, Cumby, Texas or Christian Care Bentley Assisted Living, Mesquite, Texas.
The best way to honor our Mother, Valerie Cross Spinks is to toast her with a cold Dr. Pepper…her favorite drink.
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