Valarie Lynne (Pierre) Washington

Valarie Lynne Washington passed away on August 28, 2024 in Jacksonville, FL. She was born on October 20, 1962 in New Orleans, LA, to the late William Bell and Albertine (Pierre) Bickham.

Valarie worked as a Paralegal and Notary for Harrell and Harrell and for Milton Leach. She later completed college becoming a Registered Nurse. She also worked for DEO Jacksonville, Chase Bank and was known as the “Avon Lady.” She loved listening to music and playing the violin, clarinet and saxophone, watching true crime shows on TV, singing, goofing around, drinking Pepsi, reading books, telling stories, making others laugh and spreading love.

Valarie Washington was the most wonderful woman I know, with many talents. A true “Washington Warrior” as she called us. She always smiled and lifted spirits no matter what she was going through. Valarie’s spirit was infectious. She had a way of turning the darkest days into light. She was wild, loud and damn proud of who she was, and was unapologetically “Val.” If she had something, she felt she wanted to say, she would say it. Val was larger than life and gave the best hugs. If you knew her, she loved, prayed and was rooting for you. You could call her for anything and if she could help you, she would. Valarie was so selfless, a true angel amongst us. If you were looking for her, she was somewhere dancing with her Pepsi. A woman with simple pleasures who dealt with the complexities of her life in such a beautiful manner. She had a hard fight, but you would never know by how lightly she carried her load. 

She loved the law which led to her becoming a paralegal. Valarie thrived in her career and always enjoyed going to school and elevating her knowledge. Having achieved everything from becoming a Registered Nurse to managing her own business and then overcoming any obstacles she encountered. 

Valarie’s family was the most important thing in her life—her daughter, Xanthia; granddaughters, Malkaim and Kori; her siblings, and those close to her, too numerous to name. Valarie trusted God to see her through any situation. He was the center of her life and it reflected the joy and peace He gave her, recognizing that she was nothing without HIM! Rest well, Ma! We may be sad, but we find comfort in the knowledge of you being with Malcolm and our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Family members preceding Valarie in death were her stepfather, Alvin Bickham; sons, Malcolm Washington and Darnell Brown; and grandmothers, Anell Williams and Eugenia Pierre. 

Valarie is survived by her children, Xanthia Washington, Dennis Brown and Kirsten Woods; ex-husband, Dennis Nash; grandchildren, Malkaim J. Tennell, Kori Washington and Denaiyah Brown; brothers, Derrick Pierre, Ira Bell and Chancey Bell; sisters, April Pierre and Margaret Patterson; nephews, Landon Pierre, Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Talmadge “TK” Patterson, Chancey Bell, Jr., Jaylen Bell, Cayden Bell, Jarett Bell and Kyren Bell; nieces, Corriane Burke, Brie Burdis, Taila McCain, Kalise Bell, Lanira Watts, Saniyah Bell and Keichaion Bell; grand-niece, Crue Pierre, and a host of other family members and friends.

The family would like to thank Orange Park Hospital and Inpatient Rehab and Community Hospice.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. and a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m., both at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073, 904-264-1233.

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