Valerie Jean Gillard's Obituary
Valerie Jean Gillard, age 82, passed away on May 3, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on February 8, 1942, to Percy and Ada (Smith) Knoll in Holland, MI. Valerie was a member of Covenant Life Church and took part in Bible studies as a participant and a leader. She graduated from Central Michigan University in 1968 with a degree in Special Education. Valerie taught special education for 7 years and had a passion for special needs people throughout her life. She enjoyed singing, gardening and antique collecting.
On June 29, 2001 she married, Thomas Gillard in Grand Haven and he survives her along with her children, Alesha Stevens, Andrea (Jeff) Bieschke, Donielle (Bob) Geil, Shaunte Staley; 10 grandchildren, Stevie Braun, Kara Bieschke, Christian Bieschke, Nicholas Geil, Scott Geil, Matthew Geil, Charleigh Geil, Alex Stevens, Shaun Hathaway, Sheyanne Stevens; 7 great-grandchildren, Alexxes, Tailah, Sierah, Nathan, Skylie, Malychi, Elyjah; great-great-grandson, Tenielle; siblings, Adrian Knoll, Mary Knoll Sanford, Eugene Knoll, Lloyd and Perky Knoll. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Don Staley; daughter, Angela; and granddaughter, Aleita.
FUNERAL SERVICES for Valerie will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, May 10, 2024, at Covenant Life Church 101 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417, and VISITATION will be held from 4pm to 7pm, Thursday, May 9th at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 213 Savidge St. Spring Lake, MI 49456 with the family.
MEMORIALS can be directed to International Fellowship Christians and Jews. https://www.ifcj.org/. Burial will take place at Spring Lake Cemetery. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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