GREENSBORO — Valarie Ann Riley, 57 of Greensboro, NC passed away at her home on Saturday July 21, 2012. She was born on July 25, 1954 in Louisville, KY.
A Memorial Service will be held at College Park Baptist Church located at 1600 Walker Avenue, Greensboro NC at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 26.
Valarie graduated from Clarksville, Indiana High School, received a B.A. degree from Central Iowa College, a Masters in International Studies from Thunderbird University in Arizona and a Masters in Teaching from Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY. Valarie also enjoyed a two-year Peace Corps assignment in Africa.
Valarie was a member of Walnut Street Baptist Church in Louisville, KY and was employed as a bilingual career facilitator for Northwest Piedmont Council of Government for the past eight years. During her employment at Northwest Piedmont Council of Government, Valarie received numerous awards for her work, including the Innovation Award through the National Association of Developing Organizations. In cooperation with community partners such as Forsyth Technical Community College (where she worked as an ESL instructor), The International Center (of which she was a board member), Goodwill Industries, and the International Workforce, Valarie assisted the Hispanic population with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and translation services. She encouraged customers to enroll in ESL classes in order to obtain their High School diplomas. Valarie recruited volunteers to assist with many community job fairs for employment purposes. She was a strong advocate for her customers, helping them with training, scholarships and work opportunities.
Her father Paul Riley preceded her in death. She is survived by her mother Ruby Steele and stepfather Parry Steele from Sarasota, FL.; sister, Paula Burch; nephew Naethan Burch from Greensboro, NC. Valarie also leaves behind aunts, uncles, many cousins, and numerous friends who will miss her.
Forbis and Dick Guilford Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be given at www.forbisanddick.com
