Valerie Veda Thomas

Valerie Veda Thomas affectionately known as Val, entered eternal peace on October 14, 2026 at the age of 67.

Born on May 30, 1959 in Chicago, IL, Val was the daughter of Vernice Thomas and Willie Williams. She was the 9th child of 10 children. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Valerie lived on the Westside of Chicago her entire life, grew up on Ridgeway and attended Ryerson Elementary as well Orr High School. From an early age, she had a spirit that was uniquely her own, she loved knitting, crocheting and loved the outdoors, so much that when she was told to come in, she would be upset. Those who knew her best will remember her for her sense of humor, infectious laugh, big personality, strength, stubbornness, and her facial expressions. She had a way of bringing laughter into a room and making a joke out of anything.

She now joins those who went before her, including her parents, Vernice and Willie, her siblings, Phillip Thomas, Jerry Thomas, Sydney Fennerson, Michael Thomas, Margie Thomas, Frenchie Thomas and Shelly Thomas, her son Lil James Thomas and her 2 grandchildren Rashica Jr and Ryley. While their absence has left an empty place in the hearts of those who loved them, we find comfort in knowing that she is reunited with those she held dear.

Today, we do not simply mourn the loss of Val. We celebrate a woman who lived a life filled with love, laughter, family, faith, and unforgettable memories.

Life was not always easy for Val. She experienced struggles, hardships, and seasons that tested her strength. Yet, through it all, she kept going and never gave up. She survived moments that could have broken her, she found reasons to laugh when life gave her reasons to cry, and continued to love even when life was difficult.

HER LEGACY

Val's life reminds us that a person's legacy is not measured by a title, or their accomplishments. Her legacy is found in the people she loved, the laughter she shared, the lives she touched, and the legacy she created.

Above all, Val was a woman who loved her family. She leaves behind memories that will continue to live in the hearts of her brother Robert Thomas (Joanne), sisters; Patricia Thomas and Dianne Roberson (Robert); children Shameka Thomas and Leon Robinson (Nicole). Her 10 grandchildren, Javontae, Raustin (Nadia), Robin, Dashyia, Leon, Keoni, Wyatt, Ethyn, Zilla, Xander; her great grandson Khison, 3 aunts, 2 uncles and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and Bill who was dear to her heart. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, the love she gave and the memories she created will remain.