Valerie Marie (Raven) Walstead danced her final dance on Sunday, October 21, 2018. She leaves behind the love of her life, Patrick, her "hubby" of 34 years, her mother Joan, two sisters; Tamie and Shelley, and nephew Shane. Valerie died after a protracted illness at Promise Hospital in Oxford, FL. She lost her struggle to heart failure at the age of 54. Valerie was born in Marrero, Louisiana on October 06, 1964, to Joan (Pecore) and Richard M. McWilliams, and graduated from Higgins High School in 1983. Valerie met her "hubby" through a friend and then married him on November 30, 1984, in Marrero, Louisiana. They moved to Mascotte, Florida in April of 2003 to begin the next chapter of their life.

Valerie was a devoted and loving wife to her "hubby". She had the rare gift of making everyone feel as if he or she were her best friend. Valerie had a heart of gold and anyone who met her instantly felt her sweet and loving nature. Valerie worked in the public school system both in Florida and Louisiana for over 20 years. She was a sign language interpreter for a deaf autistic student from elementary school through high school, a substitute teacher, a student advocate and an instructor at an alternative school. She also worked at Disney where she enjoyed interacting with the guests day to day. Valerie's favorite pastimes were scrapbooking and card making, she was a devoted Scouter for many years working with both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, she was a Native American dancer and loved spending time in the circle with family and friends, and cheering on the New Orleans Saints, Orlando Predators and LSU Tigers. She enjoyed going to craft shows, even showing off the things that she made herself. Her favorite holiday was Halloween and would spend countless hours planning for each new year. But her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family and friends.

Valerie is survived by her husband; Patrick K. Walstead and their three dogs; Pookie, Jose and Benji, who are like their children, mother Joan Adams, sisters; Shelley McWilliams and Tamie McWilliams; nephew Shane McWilliams; a large extended family and a multitude of dear friends.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, November 03, 2018, at 1 p.m., at Becker Funeral Home, 806 W Minneola Ave, Clermont, Florida.

We would like to thank her doctors who spent many hours caring for her and for the excellent care they provided her. We would also like to thank the staff of Promise Hospital for their loving care and support.

Memorial tributes can be given to the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, the South Lake Animal Shelter, or to your charity of choice. Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.beckerfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Your presence we miss,
Your memory we treasure;
Loving you always,
Forgetting you never.

Your loving family.
"LOVE YA"