Valerie Beasley Smith was born on November 18, 1959 to the late Joseph Ward Beasley and Annie Nesmith Beasley in Norfolk Virginia. Valerie Graduated from Lake Taylor High School and received an Associate’s degree in Business at The CommonWealth College she also attended Norfolk State University as well to further her studies.
Valerie Smith (LaLa) worked as an AT&T operator for a number of years before transitioning over to the City of Norfolk where she worked as a toll collector on the Jordan Bridge she also worked as a toll collector on the Jordan Bridge she also worked as a toll collector for the Chesapeake expressway where she retired back in 2018.
Valerie was predeceased by her father Joseph Ward Beasley, Mother Annie Nesmith Beasley and husband Lionel F. Smith Sr. and sister Barbara Ann Gilliard.
Valerie leaves to cherish her memory two children son Lionel F. Smith Jr., (Dinita) Smith and Adoris L. Smith (Lonzell); eight grandchildren De Ansh’e Smith, Aaron Smith, DeShayla Smith, Ariah Smith, Lionel Smith III, Arianna Dunning, Lyana Stephenson-Roberts, and Jaydin Vance. Ten siblings Wesley Gilliard (Gwendolyn), Barry Cobb, Yrel Gilliard (Diane), Michael Gilliard (Yvonne), Cathy Wicker (Rodney), Sharon Denise Martin, Felicia R. Fields (Ron) Christeen A. Beasley, Christopher A Beasley, and Joseph G Beasley. Best friend the late Sharon Brown (Nissie) and four godchildren; Sharonda Spence, William Mitchell Jr., Zaiane Crenshaw, Areyana Butts, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.
