Valerie's Life
Valerie Joy Lewis passed away Aug. 12, 2008, at the age of 45 at her home in Norfolk. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. She was a longtime muscular dystrophy patient.
Valerie was born at Andrews Air Force Base Oct. 16, 1962. A graduate of Maryland public schools, she also attended Eastern Technology Institute where she received two certifications. Valerie was employed by Sentara Health Care.
Valerie was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Virginia in 2006 and also participated in the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant the same year. In 2007 Valerie received the personal achievement award for Virginia from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She was also a U.S. Navy ombudsman for VAW-121.
Valerie is survived by her husband, Steve Lewis, U.S. Navy retired; her son, Stephen E. Lewis and daughter-in-law Amanda; mother and father, Joyce A. Bent and Walter E. Bent, U.S. Navy retired; brother, Gregory A. Ryder of Virginia Beach; sisters, Sandra K. Bent and Deborah L. Dalton of Florida; brother, William J. Bent of Wilmington, N.C.; two granddaughters Mckenzie and Madison of Norfolk; and her beloved service dog, Timber.