Valerie Lynn Vinson Watkins, age 59 of Clayton, passed away on June 1, 2022. She was born in Bend, Ore., and was the daughter of Maxine Shepard Freeman and Michael Clayton Vinson, granddaughter of the late Harley and Eva Swafford Shepard of Clayton and Carl and Kitty Vinson of Dillard.
Val, as everyone called her, is survived by a son, Joshua Holcomb, of Clayton; her father Mike Vinson (Diane) of Etowah, Tenn.; a brother, Clay Vinson (Tammy), of Charlotte, N.C.; a half-sister, Carley Masingale, of Etowah, Tenn.; an aunt, Cynthia Vinson, of Dillard; and two nephews, Jacob and Jeremy.
She was a lover of all animals and especially blue and red heelers. She enjoyed horse riding. Nothing would make her happier than for someone to enjoy her cooking. She always fixed three meals a day and always something sweet and baked when she was not working, but even then she cooked and catered for others, working for Karen Cathy for many years. If you ever left hungry that was your fault, because she intended for you to eat and enjoy. If she loved you, you had no doubt because she was a hugger. She was quick to smile and just as quick to unleash a string of promises should the person find themselves in her crosshairs when she was in Momma Bear Protection Mode. If she counted you as a friend, you always had an ally in your corner, just like her mother.
“She was a mother sister daughter, and a best friend who helped teach me how to drive, how to cook, how to smile and how to love. I love ya, mom. 143…”
The family will have a service at a later date. Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
The Clayton Tribune
June 9, 2022