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Another special friend passed away Saturday. Valerie Layton Gregory, long time Magee resident, died from bone cancer. She fought the good fight..but that mean hateful disease won the battle.
Sometimes, when I think about winning the battle, living is not always the win. Valerie suffered. Her ability to attend church, take Michael Dunn to Zips, and visit with her many friends was gone. Each day brought pain and suffering.
Valerie’s family was instrumental in the development of Magee. Glenn, her father, was a volunteer fireman from “way back.” The family business, Roach’s Cabinet Shop, was known statewide for their skill in cabinetry. Like many Magee business, the changing times closed Roach’s Cabinet Shop.
Although I have known Valerie forever, what plays formats in my mind is her friendship and care of Michael Dunn. Valerie became Michael’s caregiver for twenty years. Valerie took sign language classes with Michael when he was in Melinda Mahaffey’s room. If you stopped by Zip’s most anytime, Valerie and Michael were sitting to the right eating and enjoying the people. I always felt Valerie meant as much to Michael and he did to her. The Dunns and Windhams loved Valerie. She became another family member.
Valerie cared about others. She was always doing things for people. She had a caring spirit…you could see the kindness in her face.
Friends faithfully visited Valerie to the end. She was blessed with many dear and special friends.
Valerie’s mother Betty is a resident at the Bedford Center in Mendenhall. Her brothers Jeff and Wesley reside in Magee. Please keep the family and friends in your prayers.
I am so glad we will always feel her sweet sweet spirit.
(If anyone would like to write a tribute to their loved one, just contact me.)
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