Betty Laverne (White) Valentine

Forever in Our Hearts, Always Remembered

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4 (KJV)

Bettie Laverne “Betty” Valentine was born on September 21, 1947, to the late O. Z. White, Sr. and Minnie Lee White in Hearne, Texas. As the firstborn of seven children, Betty held a special place in her family and was blessed to be a loving sister and cherished member of the White family.

Betty accepted Christ at an early age. Throughout her life, she worshipped and served in several church communities. She was a member of Royal Terrace Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Hubbard; Greater New Canaan Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Rev. Thomas Williams Jr.; and Community Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Kennedy. She later reunited with Greater New Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, where she worshiped under the leadership of Dr. Rev. Thomas Williams Jr. until his illness and passing. Throughout that time, her love for God and dedication to the church never wavered. She continued her faithful journey of worship and service under the leadership of Dr. Rev. Earl Edwards, Jr., where she remained steadfast in her commitment to God and His people. Her unwavering faith and dedication to Christian service were a beautiful reflection of the life she lived and the legacy of faith she leaves behind.

Sis. Valentine was a faithful and devoted member of the choir at each church where she worshiped. She proudly served as Choir Treasurer under the leadership of Dr. Rev. Thomas Williams, Jr. and later under the leadership of Dr. Rev. Earl Edwards, Jr. Her dedication to the work of the church was evident in the many ways she willingly gave of her time, talents, and heart.

She also served faithfully as President of the Pastor’s Aide Ministry under the leadership of Dr. Rev. Thomas Williams, Jr. and later continued her service as a supporting member of the Pastor’s Aide Ministry under the leadership of Dr. Rev. Earl Edwards, Jr. At Greater New Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, Sis. Valentine shared her love and knowledge of God as a devoted Sunday School Teacher under the leadership of Dr. Rev. Thomas Williams, Jr. Through her service, teaching, and commitment to the church, she touched the lives of many and left a lasting legacy of faith, love, and dedication. Her faithful service to God and His people will forever be remembered and cherished.

Betty attended schools within the Houston Independent School District (HISD). She was a dedicated employee of Triple D Uniform Rental in Houston, Texas, where she worked as a shipper. After 30 years of faithful and devoted service, Betty retired, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, commitment, and dedication.

During this time, Betty met and later married Bertis Eugene Valentine on June 2, 1967. Their union was blessed with three children: twin sons, Tyrone and Jerome Valentine, and a daughter, Joylanda Valentine. Although their marriage later ended in divorce, Betty and Bertis maintained a strong and positive relationship, remaining committed to one another as parents and devoted to the well-being and happiness of their children.

Betty enjoyed watching BET, Lifetime, and soap operas. She had a deep love for helping others and found joy in listening to music that spoke to her heart and strengthened her faith. She was passionate about following Christ and expressing her love for God through singing in church—especially Dottie Peoples’, “He’s an On Time God.” Betty appreciated the simple pleasures of life and cherished spending quality time with family and loved ones most of all.

Betty peacefully entered into eternal rest on August 26, 2026, in Houston, TX. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Bertis E. Valentine; her parents, O. Z. White Sr. and Minnie Lee White; her brothers, O. Z. White Jr., Arthur White, James White, and Larry White; her nephew, Ray White; and her niece, D’Eryca Walls.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory and legacy, her sons, Tyrone Valentine (Felicia) and Jerome Valentine (Bridget); her daughter, Joylanda Valentine; her grandchildren, Brandon Valentine (Kenisha), Tyrone Valentine Jr. (Alicia Chanel), Torrance Valentine, Jerome Valentine Jr., Reginald Walker Jr., Regdrion Walker, and Tyrell Valentine; and her great‑grandchildren, Torrance Dewan Valentine Jr., Tay’Lynn Dominic Valentine, Ezekiel Dream Valentine, Jarre Nehemiah Walker, Regdrion Walker Jr., Brandon Valentine Jr., Kayden Falls, and Major Dior Valentine. She is also survived by her sister, Pamela White (Vernon); her brothers, Jay White (Lynn), Willie Lee White (Alice), and Earnest White (Sheila); her brother-in-law, Joe Valentine (Lou) and Johnny Brown, her sister-in-law, Virginia Rhodes, Debra White, Shelley White, and Beverly Haynes (Edward James), along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and her beloved church family.

Betty’s work on this earth is now complete. She has answered God’s call and joined Him in eternal rest, where she will continue to watch over and guide her loved ones. Betty’s life was a testament to love, family, faith, service, and purpose. Her kind spirit and radiant smile touched everyone she knew. Betty will be deeply missed and though she is no longer with us in the flesh, her beautiful spirit and unconditional love will remain in our hearts forever!