It is with great sadness that the Valentine family announces that Brenda G. Valentine (Manley), 57, of Kanawha Falls, WV entered in to rest on April 15th at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA after battling a long term illness. She leaves behind a life full of good memories, a family that loves her, and her dreams and ambitions. She will be missed by all that knew her and had the opportunity to call her a loving wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend.
Brenda was born on August 15th, 1961 at Laird Memorial Hospital in Montgomery, WV. She was the daughter to the late Sanford and Alma Manley of Deepwater, WV.
She graduated from Valley High School in 1979 and started her professional career as an insurance agent where she worked for 25+ years. Her love and passion for home decorating and design led her to her second job as a home interior design consultant where she worked for Home Interiors, Inc. Through this hobby she was able to enjoy working with many of her friends to decorate their homes, impart her wonderful style and talent for bringing warmth to the home, and being a part of their lives. She was also passionate about singing in church, playing music, and spending time with her family. She always exuded hospitality and welcomed family and friends to her home. Her house was always full of laughter and candid conversations by neighborhood kids, family friends, her family, and her church family. She was known for being very real and direct when engaging in conversation. She imparted a sense of realness and openness with everyone who was close to her.
She’ll be deeply missed by her husband of 39 yrs Robert “Bobby” Valentine of Kanawha Falls, WV. Brenda and Bobby were high school sweethearts who began dating at 15 yrs old. Together they shared a life full of fond memories, enjoyed moments of accomplishments and success, endured challenges, and leaned on each other for the many obstacles that life often brings. Together they created a loving home for their three beautiful children, Aaron Valentine and wife Deanna, Kristin King and husband David, Moriah Valentine, and their granddaughter Kennedy Valentine. She is also survived by her siblings Diane, Sharon, Teresa, Donna, Carolyn, Sanford Jr., and her sister-in-laws Patty and Doris. She is also preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law Robert and Hazel Valentine and her brother-in-law Doug.
A celebration of her life will be held at Glen Ferris Apostolic Church (GFAC) in Glen Ferris from 6:00 - 9:00 pm on Friday, April 19th. The funeral service will be held at the same location on Saturday, April 20th at 1:00 pm with Pastor Frank Bounds and Pastor Sal Bria officiating. Pastor Bounds has been a close family friend and one of her pastors for nearly 29 yrs. Pastor Bria has been close to Brenda, Bobby, and their children since he became her children’s childhood friend and brother-like figure at 12 yrs old. It’s only fitting that these men should be part of memorializing the life of someone who was one of the founding members of GFAC and shared a personal relationship with her. Burial will follow at Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens at Glasgow. All family and friends are invited and welcome to attend. Please bring and share fond memories of Brenda’s life. Her last wishes were for the services to be without sadness. Please help us to celebrate and honor her during this difficult time for the family.
O’Dell Funeral Home in Montgomery, WV is in charge of the arrangements. Expressions can be sent at www.odellfuneralhome.com