Senior member Valery S. Smith

[ironputts]

October 5, 2023

Senior member Valery S. Smith
Nacogdoches Composite Squadron
Texas Wing

Valery Suzanne Smith, age 68, departed this life on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Valery, the youngest of three children, was born on May 11, 1955, in San Diego, California, to William "Bill" Spratley and Nina Lavona Story Spratley. She spent her childhood and young adult years in San Diego and attended El Capitan High School. Shortly after high school, Valery married James Mendoza, and had one son, Brian. After the two divorced, Valery met and married Roy Stoker of San Diego, and had one more son, Richard.
Valery's life was characterized by her dedication as a homemaker and strong work ethic. She began working at an early age, starting in high school, as an attendant at a nursing facility. After high school, she worked in retail, and then became a driver for Greyhound bus lines. In 1988, Valery married Henry W. Smith of Kennard. Soon after, Valery began work at the H-E-B grocery store in Crockett, where she worked for many years. Valery was a talented and meticulous homemaker who ensured her home was always a welcome place for family and friends. Valery's many hobbies included cooking, baking, traveling to visit family and friends, and attending Civil Air Patrol meetings of which she was a member. In 2008, she suffered a debilitating stroke, and in later years, she battled cancer twice. Throughout this time, despite the physical hardships, Valery maintained a positive attitude and keen sense of humor and drew closer to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Valery was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister who will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Henry Smith; sister, Barbara McPheron; children, Brian Mendoza (Christine), Richard Stoker; step-children, Randy Stoker (Shana), Erica Ketchen (William), Stephen Smith, and Brian Smith; grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Jessica Mendoza (Stephen), Matthew Mendoza, Alex Stoker, Julie Stoker, Annabella Farias, Valena Stoker, Ryan Stoker, Riley Stoker, Carter Ketchen and Cole Ketchen; great-grandchild, Evangeline Drake; niece, Alise Spratley; brother-in-law, Royce Smith; and many loving aunts, cousins and friends. Valery is preceded in death by her parents, William and Nina Spratley and brothers, Bill Spratley, Jr. and Tracy Spratley.