Valerie Diane Blaise Nahill, 59, of Clarkston

Information from the Tim Stewart Funeral Home website.

Valerie Diane Blaise Nahill (Leach), age 59, was born on November 26, 1956 in Duluth, GA and passed away peacefully at her home on July 3, 2016 in Clarkston, GA. She was surrounded by her husband, sons, mother, siblings and their spouses, and Aunt Brenda. Valerie rose victorious after a 14 month battle with cancer.

She lived a fulfilling life helping others and touching many people in a very special way. Valerie loved her church and singing in the choir where she performed several solos, rejoicing and honoring God. Valerie was a graduate of Shamrock HS, class of '73, in Decatur, GA. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Lawrenceville where she was a choir member, soloist, and a member of Ladies Fellowship. Valerie was also a former member of Clarkston Baptist Church & First Baptist Church Tucker.

She retired from the DeKalb County School System after working 18 years as a media clerk. Previously, she worked at various hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices. She spent many years working as a volunteer in cross-cultural ministries teaching adults and children of all ages through ESL classes, Sunday school, vacation bible school, Back-Yard Bible Club and mission trips into various states.

After Hurricane Katrina, Valerie helped rebuild a church and community in Biloxi, MS. She also served as a caregiver for her mother and other elderly ladies, and she was an avid Mary Kay saleslady who loved to be pretty.

Valerie is preceded in death by her father: Bobby Chester Leach; step-father: John Kennedy; maternal grandparents: James Ausbon & Rillie Irene Bowman; paternal grandparents: James & Ruby Leach, Lawrenceville; first husband: Harold Blaise, Jr. She is survived by her devoted & loving husband: Daniel Francis Nahill, Clarkston, GA; sons: Derik Ian Blaise, Stone Mountain, GA; Daniel Alan Blaise, Breckinridge, CO; mother: Rillie Mae Leach Kennedy (Bowman), Tucker, GA; brother & sister-in-law: James David & Joyce Leach, Lawrenceville; sister & brother-in-law: Cindy Ellen (Leach) & Glenn Bowman, Greenville, NC; step-sister: Ruth Kennedy, Shire, Tigrai, Ethiopia; step-brothers & spouses: David & Sonja Kennedy; Apsely, Victoria, Australia; Stephen & Penny Kennedy, Horsham, West Sussex, England; in-laws: Francis (Frank) John & Yvonne (Vonnie) Grace Nahill, Bushnell, FL; former in-laws: David (Dave) & Barbara (Bobbie) Kribs, Magnolia, TX; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, & friends.

Valerie will be cremated & laid to rest in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Lawrenceville, GA in her family's plot next to her daddy and step-father during a small ceremony following her funeral. The family will receive friends from 2-4 PM & 6-8 PM on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Tim Stewart Funeral Home: 300 Simonton Rd SW Lawrenceville, GA 30046. 770-962-3100. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at New Hope Baptist Church: 1945 New Hope Rd. Lawrenceville, GA 30046. Please leave online condolences at www.stewartfh.com