Valerie Darlyn Waters-Smith

Valerie Darlyn Waters-Smith was born on April 22, 1952, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Elder Fred and Fannie Waters. She was the fifth of eight children and the third daughter in a loving family. On June 29, 2026, Valerie peacefully exchanged time for eternity as she entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Elder Fred and Fannie Waters, and her cherished brothers, Fred Waters, Jr, Walter Waters, and Mason Waters.

In 1969, Valerie married John A. Smith Sr., and from this union came the four greatest treasures of her life: Shakuntala Sai’zon, John Albert, Faith Love, and Hope Charity. She loved her children deeply and poured herself into their lives with unwavering devotion, encouragement, and unconditional love.

Valerie graduated from East High School and attended Tennessee State University, where she majored in Communications and earned Dean's List honors a reflection of her intelligence, determination, and commitment to excellence.

Valerie was truly one of a kind. She possessed an unforgettable personality that radiated joy, warmth, love, and boundless energy. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a joyful spirit that brought laughter and happiness wherever she went. Valerie never met a stranger, and before long, everyone she encountered became a friend. Her generous heart and willingness to help others touched countless lives throughout her community and beyond.

Gifted with an extraordinary eye for beauty, fashion, and design, Valerie had a remarkable ability to transform ordinary spaces into places of elegance and warmth. Whether decorating a home, planning a special event, or creating one of her signature ensembles, she approached everything with grace, creativity, and impeccable style. Through her passion for fashion, she inspired countless women to recognize their own beauty and carry themselves with confidence, dignity, and joy. Valerie believed that true beauty began within and was reflected in the way a woman carried herself. Her vibrant presence, unmistakable elegance, and genuine kindness made her a beloved and admired figure throughout the Nashville community. She was admired for her class, zest for life, kindness, and infectious enthusiasm.

Above all else, Valerie treasured her relationship with Jesus Christ. Her faith was the foundation of her life and the source of her strength, joy, and hope. She faithfully served alongside her beloved Born Again Church family, where she had a remarkable gift for making every visitor and newcomer feel seen, welcomed, loved, and at home.

An encourager by nature and an exhorter by calling, Valerie delighted in giving God glory through heartfelt praise, joyful worship, and dancing before the Lord. She often testified that she had so much to thank God for because she knew He had never forgotten her. Her life was a beautiful testimony of gratitude, unwavering faith, and complete trust in God's goodness. Her radiant smile, warm embrace, gentle encouragement, and steadfast love for Christ left a lasting impression on everyone blessed to worship alongside her.

Valerie leaves to cherish her precious memory her beloved children, Shakuntala (Carrie) Smith, John Smith, Faith (Chris) Sanders, and Hope (John) Anding; twelve cherished grandchildren; five treasured great-grandchildren; her loving sisters, Betty Waters, Sandra Holt, Kiwanis (Horace) Hockett, and Fatima (Derick) Richardson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, devoted friends, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, and love.

While our hearts mourn her earthly absence, we rejoice in the blessed assurance that Valerie has heard the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Her legacy of unwavering faith, unconditional love, joyful hospitality, creativity, generosity, and grace will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Though she has entered eternal rest, the beauty of her life will remain an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever in our hearts.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude for every expression of love, every prayer, and every act of kindness shown during this time of bereavement. In lieu of flowers and trees, those who wish to honor Valerie's memory may make a contribution to the memorial fund established in her honor. Your generosity will help celebrate her life and preserve her legacy. Any contribution is sincerely appreciated but never expected.

Memorial contributions may be made via Cash App: $valws.

The service will be live streamed on Born Again Church YouTube channel.