Valerie Bivins

Obituary of Valerie Bivins Valerie Janis Bivins was born in Clearwater, Florida on February 18, 1958. Val as she was called by family and friends was educated in the Pinellas County School System graduating from Dunedin High School. On June 7, 1980, she was united in marriage to Christopher Neal Bivins and relocated to St. Petersburg. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and began her teaching career at Palm Harbor Elementary School. Furthering her studies, she attended the University of South Florida earning a Master's of Science degree. The family relocated to Leesburg, Florida in 2003 where Valerie completed her thirty-one year teaching career at Tavares Elementary School in Lake County. Val expressed a deep love for God and family. She enjoyed entertaining her family and friends, especially around major holidays. Many Thanksgiving meals were shared with dozens of relatives and friends. With summers off from school, she enjoyed traveling with her husband and son Christopher Jr. known to all those who love him as CJ. The Bahamas, Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls and all points in between, Val spent time shopping and touring historic sites and museums. She often boasted of her husband's affinity for working on projects so she kept him busy with her endless ideas for home improvement. Their greatest project was the design and construction of the family home here in Leesburg. Val was inspirational in creating "In the Company of My SISTAS, too," a yearly gathering of her sisters and adolescent girls of the family to connect; exhale and encourage each other to become the woman of God that He purposed us to be. During these times she used her teaching platform to encourage all to live well, love much and laugh often. Val will forever be remembered for her passion in helping others and long celebrated for living a Christian life. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg. Services A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg.

Valerie Bivins

February 18, 1958 - September 6, 2012