Valero Ford Garner

Mrs. Valero Ford Garner (Val) went home to her Lord on Monday, June 11, 2012 at the age of 97 years and 10 months. During her near-century life, her sweet and loving spirit touched many, and her unconditional love was a profound blessing and inspiration to all who knew her. We are heart-broken because of our loss, but immeasurably jubilant for her victory over death and her eternal peace with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Valero was born in Purdon, Texas on August 15, 1914. She graduated Salutatorian from Mildred High School in 1931. She was elated to attend the latest Mildred reunion, where she was, of course, the oldest alumnus. Most of her life was spent near her family in Navarro County, but she moved to Garland to live with her daughter Barbara and near her granddaughters Julie and Jennifer in April of 2010. Although she suffered from Congestive Heart Failure, her faith in God and her joyous outlook on life never faltered. As quietly and tenderly as she lived, so she passed gently from this life in her sleep. She was preceded in death by her parents Carey Alford Ford and Bertha Mae Williams Ford; her step-mother, Mary Ford Slaughter; three sons, Luther D Batson, Bennie Ford Batson, and Gary Eugene Batson; her sisters Bobbie Jewel Putman and Patti Rue McCarter; her brother Carey Ford, Jr.; her beloved grandson James Luther Batson; and her great-grandson Austin Batson. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Crumpton Batson, James Garner, and Johnie Floyd. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Bertha and Bobby Lindeman of Teague and Barbara and Johnny Evans of Garland. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Becky Easdon, Bobby Lindeman, Jr., Bennie Lindeman, Billy Lindeman, Debbie Parten, Lynda Batson, Mark Batson, Kevin Batson, Gary Batson, Sherrie Donaldson, Julie Palumbo, and Jennifer Housley; her great-grandchildren Jason Easdon, Michael Easdon, Brian Lindeman, Bradley Lindeman, Billy Lindeman, Jr., Elizabeth Lindeman, Les Lindeman, Justin Batson, Hayden Batson, Jon Parten, Haley Woeller, Cody Parten, Josh Vercher, Michael Batson, Malynn Batson, Allie Batson, Daniel Donaldson, Aaron Redker, Phillip Palumbo, Matthew Palumbo, Jessika Palumbo, James Housley, and Jenna Housley. She also leaves her legacy to a growing collection of great-great grandchildren, including Madalyn Donaldson, Gauge Redker, Landon Easdon, Hagen Parten, Conrad Batson, Monica Harris, and Brooklyn Vercher. Additionally, Val is survived by her dear sister-in-law, Louise Ford of Corsicana and countless nieces and nephews, including Brenda Duncan and Kathy Tapscott, both of Corsicana. Brenda and Kathy were particularly attentive to “Aunt Sis”, and their nurturing and encouragement helped Aunt Sis through a most critical time, which lifted her spirit and gave her immense joy. Valero also leaves behind her loving nurse and dearest companion, Verna Williams. Verna’s loving and godly spirit nurtured Val’s spiritual heart as well as her physical one. Verna is truly a blessing from God and was a cherished and faithful friend of Val’s for two years. Val loved to sing and particularly enjoyed praising God with her friends at Blooming Grove Church of Christ. Brenda Russell faithfully kept Val informed of all the news every week, and the bulletins brought great joy to Val and gave her the feeling of staying connected with her long-time friends and supporters. David Haden, the son of her dear friend Aline Haden, will be the minister in charge of her funeral. Val specifically asked that most of the time be spent singing, and we will honor that wish. Her eulogy will be given by her granddaughter Julie Palumbo of Sachse. Valero will be buried with her family at Younger Cemetery beside her husband James Garner, her companion for many years, and whom she called, “the love of my life.” She will be carried to her final resting place by her great-grandsons. Visitation will be 6-8pm Thursday, June 14, 2012 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 11am Friday, June 15, 2012 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Younger Cemetery.

Valero Ford Garner

August 15, 1914 - June 11, 2012