Valerie Jay Willing

Valerie Lynn Jay (Willing) was born on July 8, 1956 in San Marcus, Texas to USAF Captain Robert Jay and Carol Jay. She entered into her eternal life in Heaven on July 17, 2023. Val always said that as a young girl, she was perfectly happy being an only child and loved all of the attention bestowed upon her. That didn’t last long because she was blessed (or cursed) with five younger siblings. She loved to point out that she was the oldest and “meanest” of them all.

As a military brat Val had the opportunity to live in many different places. She absolutely loved living in Seville, Spain because her “favorite” sister was born there. Ultimately the family settled in Fort Worth, Texas. Val attended Daggett Middle School and graduated from Paschal High School in 1974. After graduation, she held several jobs until hiring on at Tandy Wire and Cable as a key punch operator. That began her journey into the world of computers. She then landed her dream job at Champlin Petroleum Company as a computer troubleshooter. A major injury cut her career short and led her on to the path of becoming an amazing and compassionate caretaker of people and animals.

Val had an outgoing and vibrant personality. She loved music, singing, art, scuba diving and even tried her hand at acting. She was also very prim and proper which earned her the title of “Ms. Manners”. She had a great sense of humor which would pop up when you least expected it. That wasn’t her only way to surprise people. Looking at her you would never guess that she was an expert marksman, winning multiple shooting championships. She was extremely proud of that.

Val loved to travel and see the world. After eight years of dating, Val finally agreed to marry the love of her life and travel soulmate, Alex Willing, on August 21, 1983. They spent years traveling Europe, the Caribbean and all throughout the United States, until Alex’s death in 2011.

Val would tell you that December 19, 1977 was the most important date in her life. This was the day that she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and secured her eternal home in Heaven. During the ensuing 45 plus years, she did her best to serve Christ and witness to those around her. Her desire to see souls saved manifested itself in many areas. She was a mentor for those newly saved, taught children in Sunday school, children’s church, Vacation Bible School, Beach Club, LIT Ministries, and any other area needed. From the youngest person to the oldest, you could find her telling them about Jesus and salvation. Intentional is the word often used to describe Val’s ministry.

Despite many health issues over the last five years, Val stood strong and claimed her title as a Warrior Woman of Willow Park. Her heartfelt wish was for people to accept Christ and spend an eternity in Heaven.

When Valerie entered Heaven, she was met by her husband Alex, her father Robert, her mother Carol, her brothers Robert, Lance and Greg, and a host of other family members and friends. Left behind to continue sharing Christ’s word are her sisters, Angela and Carolyn (Darryl), nephews Benjamin (Megan), Austin (Marie), nieces Christina (Lauren), Sierra (Tyler) and Ashley, great nieces Shana and Brittney and great nephews Samuel and Robert.

Memorial Service will be held on July 28, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Willow Park Baptist Church, 777 Crown Pointe Blvd, Willow Park, Texas 76087

Donations can be made to:

World Harvest Baptist Missions Bible Fund, c/o Willow Park Baptist Church

Feeding Hearts Ministry, c/o Willow Park Baptist Church

Or your favorite pet rescue.