Geraldine Leona Scales Valentine was born on March 26, 1935 in Dozier, North Carolina to the late Joseph Cephus and Leona Scales Valentine. She relished her life as a farmer's daughter and growing up at the "home place,"  in what is now known as the Village of Tobaccoville, NC.

She was reared as a member of Center Grove AME Zion Church and schooled in the Village of Tobaccoville. She later attended Carver High School in Winston Salem, NC, where she proudly played the clarinet in the marching band. Geraldine's college years were spent at Teacher's College (now Winston-Salem State University) graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.  Her 22-year teaching career began in Concord, NC (and ended with early retirement in 1990 from Statesville (NC) City Schools).  Eleven of those career years was as a teacher (1968-1979) with the Elyria City Public School system in Elyria, Ohio. She often said her work in Ohio was the most "rewarding." That enthusiasm led her to attend summer graduate programs at Kent State University in Ohio, and A&T University in Greensboro, NC.  Considering a second career in ministry as a counselor, Geraldine attended Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, NC from 1995-1997.

Geraldine's love of children dates back to her care of nieces and nephews before becoming a mother herself.  Leaving behind to cherish her life are her beloved daughter, Tonya Allen Clements Campbell (Thomas), from her union with Willie C. Allen, Jr.; two adoring granddaughters, Chloe Valentina Clements and Cayla Allena Clements, both of whom "Grammy said 'kept her heart beating;'" sister, Ruth Valentine; nieces, Phyllis Valentine Day, Jane Valentine Locke and Beverly Valentine Younger; nephew, Mark Moss; Allen family relatives; and a host of friends and former students.

At different times during her life, Geraldine was affectionately known as Jewel, Granny, Grammy and Geri. An engaging and passionate story teller — family, friends and even new acquaintances were often treated with stories about the deceased family members she so dearly missed. As the "baby" of the family, thank God for the joyous reunion Geraldine is now having with those that preceded her in death: brothers, Clamon, Luke and JC; sisters, Almagene, Polly and Georgia; nephews, Larry and Babe; and most importantly, her Mother and Father.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, June 27, 2019 at Center Grove AME Zion Church Cemetery with Rev. Dairl Scott officiating.