"Sally"

Life Reflections

In St. Louis, Missouri on January 7, 1960, Valerie Sims , was born to the union of Emma Lou Sims and Willie James Sims. She was the sixth of seven children born to this union. Valerie was preceded in death by her loving parents, five siblings Willie Mae, James, Michael, Jackie and David and one nephew Keith Allen.

Valerie confessed hope in Christ and was baptized July 18, 1976 at True Love Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Theodore Norman. In May 1969, Valerie’s beloved mother the late Emma Lou and Raymond Joplin bought their first home at 3503 Manola. This is where Valerie and her siblings grew up. Manola was their roots, their safe place, their sanctuary and security. Manola was always an enduring mark on Valerie and her siblings lives and forever will be known as “Manola”.

Valerie , affectionately called “Sally”, was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools. She graduated from Normandy Senior High School and completed her education at Florissant Valley Community College, in the field of Nursing. She worked for the St. Louis Lambert Airport in her early years. She started her last job in June 2022 as a caregiver for Advantage Consumer Directed Services. She was a devoted caregiver, known for her unwavering kindness and dedication to the well being of others, spending countless hours providing compassionate care.

Valerie caught the eye of Michael Demond Hanks while attending Normandy Senior High School. After winning her heart the two married on September 6, 1986. Manola is where she and Michael became parents to one son, Michael Demond Hanks, Jr., whom they dearly loved and affectionately called, “Scoop”. Although she is gone from this world, the love she and Michael shared always remained in their hearts until the end.

Valerie loved and protected Scoop; she always had in her arms.  One day she closed her eyes for a moment and suddenly stood a man. Although she was unable to carry Scoop in her arms, she carried him in her heart.

Scoop gave his mother so many reasons to be proud of the man he became, her proudest moment was when she told others about Scoop making her a grandmother. She had a very special place in her heart for her grandchildren, Michael Demond Hanks, III and Jaylen Demond Hanks. She loved them deeply, and even though she left too fast, she was grateful beyond words for the happiness that each of them brought to her life. She also had a loving relationship with Shenita Comds, her grandchildren's mother.

Valerie experienced love for the second time when she met Cedric Dale Perry. They bonded from the start. Cedric found the key to her heart. They united their families together with two sons, Scoop and Lil Cedric, who preceded her in death. Cedric was there by her side when she said goodbye for the last time. May the love they shared continue echoing in his heart.

Valerie’ s younger brother Raymond Sims was her rock. When she was weak, Raymond was her strength, he helped her through life's journey, at any length. He looked after her, provided support and assistance when she needed and when she was being stubborn he made her take her medicine and watched over her while she was resting. Raymond; Valerie hopes you know how proud she was of you. She watched you grow into such a good person who has a heart of gold. Valerie knew that you are the kind of person that believes in family first. She appreciated and loved you.

Valerie's nephews were her bonus sons. They added so much love to her life and she could not have loved them more if they were her own.

Sadly, Valerie departed this life on December 23, 2024 in the comfort of her home. Although, it broke our heart to have to let her go. She left us precious memories and love as our guide, and although we cannot see her, she’s always by our side.

Valerie leaves to cherish her most precious memory: husband Michael Demond Hanks, Sr., one son, Michael Demond Hanks, Jr. , two grandsons, Michael Demond Hanks, III and Jaylen Demond Hanks; one brother Raymond (Lisa Renee) Sims, one step sister Wonda Walker all of St. Louis, Missouri; three uncles Archie Charles Thames, Woodrow Thames and Willie (Joyce) Thames, all of St. Louis, Missouri; loving partner Cedric Dale Perry, The Perry Family, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family.