Valerie Lee Pickrum was born on July 24,1964  in Manhattan, New York, blessing the life of Helen Susanne, who welcomed Valerie as the first of her three children.  Valerie also blessed the life of Harvey Pickrum, bonding with him from day one…and becoming the "apple of his eye," throughout her life.

Valerie started catholic school in Columbus, Ohio and continued her education when she moved to Cincinnati with her parents.  She attended Mt. Healthy High School and in 1982. She continued her education at Western Southern College before starting her career at The United States Postal Service. She worked for the service for 25 years, earning numerous honorable, employee recognitions.

She became a loving, committed mother to three sons; Brandon, Donte and Jordan.  Donte preceded her in death in 2022, along with her biological father, Richard Spurlock; maternal grandmother, Martha Boyd;  fraternal grandmothers,  Ruth Spurlock and Emma Pickrum and her aunt, Dr. Toye Brown.

Often referred to as a "social butterfly" by fellow students and co-workers, Valerie, a former softball player, enjoyed sports, collecting art, dolls, elephants  and caring for her two dogs, Zoe and Wiggles.  She also enjoyed cooking, traveling and decorating her home.  She was known for her constant beautiful, warm smile.   Valerie loved people, her family and "other" people's children. She dearly loved her brothers, whom she defended throughout childhood.

Her loving spirit will always be cherished by her mother, Helen Pickrum and father, Harvey (Rose) Pickrum; brothers, Marvin Pickrum Jr of Fairbanks, AL and Michael A. Pickrum of Washington, DC; grandchildren, Kharmari Pickrum, who called her "Baba" and Nabrea Pickrum, who were both her joy; nephews, Michael A. Pickrum II and Isaac Pickrum; special uncle, Richard (Rosie) A. Harless of Lexington, KY; special aunt, Teresa (Doron) Maniece of Seattle, Washington.  She will also be dearly missed by her Spurlock siblings and numerous cousins and friends.