DUDLEY-Valerie W. Wilson-Tatum, 63, of Dudley died Tuesday, August 3rd in her home surrounded by her family. She leaves her husband of 21 years, Henry G. Tatum; two daughters, Kristal (Allen) House and her husband, Chris of Worcester and Tia E. (Adams) Eady and her husband, Ramon of Middleton, WI; a stepdaughter, Alisha (Johnston) Pickett and her husband Jackey of Worcester; two stepsons, Michael Tatum and Raheem Johnston both of Worcester; two brothers, Richard W. Wilson and his wife, Diane of Framingham and Glenn O. Wilson and his wife, Jeannie of Leicester; two sisters, Paula M. Goolsby of Springfield and Susan E. Wilson-Price and her husband Richard of Worcester; six grandchildren, Farica Allen, Shron and Terrance Bullard, Tyree and Taylen Eady and Savonne Pickett and five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, George M. Wilson, Jr. and Barbara V. (Ward) Wilson; a brother, George M. Wilson, III and a sister, Denise A. Wilson.
She was born in Worcester and graduated from the former High School of Commerce, received a Bachelor Degree and Masters Degree from the University New Hampshire and attended graduate school at UMASS College and the University of New Hampshire. She was a drug and alcohol therapist for over 30 years working at City Hospital, AdCare Hospital and retiring from Henry Lee Willis Center.
Valerie was a member of All Saints Church, Greater Framingham Community Church, Nipmuc Indian Council and the Local Network of Black Women. She was an avid cook, decorator and party planner. Valerie was a very giving person and an All American athlete in high school.
The funeral is Monday, August 9th with a service at 11:00 AM in All Saints Church, 10 Irving Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Sunday, August 8th from 5:00 until 8:00 PM in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Nipmuc Nation Tribal Office, 25 Main Street, South Grafton, MA 01560, the United Negro College Fund, 8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031 or to Feed the Children, P.O. Box 36, Oklahoma City, OK 73101.