Valerie LaFaye Roberson, 69, of Meriden, passed away peacefully at her home on March 8, 2023.  She was born in Bells Mill, VA on December 31, 1953, the daughter of Samuel D. Clemons and the late Faye S. (Alexander) Clemons. Valerie was the master key that opened doors and experiences for her family. She had a special strength and fearlessness about her being the only sister and protector of six brothers. As a military brat she lived all over the world, from Morocco to her favorite of all, Rhode Island (probably for the lobster). Her love of travel continued, where many of her fondest moments and friendships were made from bowling throughout the country. She was renowned for collecting magnets and souvenirs from the various tournaments that she attended. She imparted her competitive spirit, knowledge and skills amongst her children and grandchildren with pride. You could always find her in the front row making her presence known. Val was always a proponent of her children's and grandchildren's educations; regardless of the obstacles, she found opportunities for their future success. With her family now scattered throughout the world, the phone was her mode of connection. She was always happy to check in and catch up on a regular basis.  She was infamous for calling any number she had at all hours of the day, whether you were in New York, Virginia, California, or Singapore. The only time zone relevant to her was the time she had an itch to reach out. She always had a light about her and a cheek-to-cheek smile that was as bright as the sun. She had no problem telling you like it is, whether you wanted to hear it or not. Valerie cultivated the soil that will continue to flourish her legacy for generations to come. The handover is done, she can now tightly hold the hands of her mother and daughter and finally know that rest assured, her purposes here have been fulfilled. Valerie is survived by her father Samuel, loved one; Donell Roberson and children; Renee (Eddie), Shawn, Richard (Zarina) and Robin. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren; Quashanta (Dwayne), Awnzsa, Shyla, Jazzmin, Aaliyah, Trey, Rhea, Ryan, and Zayn and great-grandchildren; Xzavion, Kaydence, Maddox, and Cassian Rios, Mia Hemmer, Annabella Alonso, Emma Little, and S. Antonio Rios Jr., brothers; Marvin (Norma), Robert (Patricia), Robbie, Anthony, and Samuel K.W. Clemons, her dear aunts; Carolyn McFadden, Florence McNatt and Addie Walles, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and life-long friends; Yvonne Trotman and Linda Ellison. In addition to her mother Faye Shirley, she is preceded in death by her daughter Donneta, brother Tyrone, aunts Rose and Zella, and uncles Harold, Willie Green, T.J, Bob, and Edward.

Friends are invited to visit with Valerie's family on Thursday, March 16 ^th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, March 17 ^th at 11:00 a.m. in Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, 84 Franklin St., Meriden. A viewing will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 a.m. before the service. Interment will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Meriden. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Kidney Foundation .