Valerie Joyce M. Skelton

Obituary For Valerie Joyce M. Skelton

Valerie Joyce M. Skelton

Valerie Joyce M. Skelton was born September 8, 1958, in Chattanooga, TN. She departed this earthly life on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Valerie was educated in the Chattanooga City Schools. She was a 1976 graduate of Tyner High School. Valarie attended Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN where she earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology.

Valerie was a native of Chattanooga until she transplanted to Knoxville, Tennessee in 2001. She was employed with Progress Rail Company until it was purchased by another business entity. She also served as the Executive Administrative Secretary to the President and Academic Vice President at Knoxville College for a short while. Valerie was an active member of Bethel AME Church. Valerie served in several organizations but really enjoyed singing in the Choir. Recently, she served on the Bethel AME Church 130th Anniversary Committee. She served as secretary of the Committee often given praises and positive comments for her impeccable record keeping of minutes of the meetings. Valerie will be missed by many for her kind ways and courageous smile.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John A. Anderson, and Carrie Mitcham; sister, Harnithia Mitcham; son, Alexander M. Skelton. She is survived by and leaves to mourn her passing, brother, William Mitcham of Detroit, Michigan; sister, Rachelle Mitcham of Knoxville, TN; nephews, Andrew Mitcham of Chattanooga, TN, and Kenneth Mitcham of Wilmington, Delaware; great-nephew, Alonzo Agnew-Mitcham; several cousins, other relatives, friends and the Bethel AME Church family.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 12:00-1:00 p.m., with the Celebration of Life Service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Bethel AME Church. The final resting place will be at Mt. Olive Cemetery immediately following the service.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com