Valerie Jill Baker was born in Huntsville, Alabama on December 23, 1965 to Jasper Leon Baker and Joann Baker. She graduated from Grissom High School in 1984 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Athens State University. She taught for many years as a high school science and history teacher, and she was loved by all of her students. She was instrumental in helping many students cross the finish line to graduation.
Valerie loved music, especially U2, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Tom Petty. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and her loving husband Pat, whom she met in high school and reconnected with many years later. She had a passion for teaching and loved to discuss history and politics. She was a whiz at Trivial Pursuit, especially when it came to the more difficult science, history, and geography questions.
Valerie always had compassion for those in need and spent time helping friends and neighbors with various documents, paperwork, and processes where they needed assistance with interpretation. She also loved animals and was always sharing stories of shelter dogs that needed to find homes. She leaves behind her beloved dogs Gidget and Gomer.
She spent her last days with the love her life, Pat Payne, at their home on the lake in Grant, Alabama.
Valerie passed away on March 24, 2025, surrounded by her family. She is preceded in death by her father, Jasper Leon Baker. She is survived by her husband, Patrick Payne, daughter, Lindsay Plitt (Chris), son, Joshua Renz (Angela), stepson, Mitchell Payne (Haley), mother, Joann Baker, brother, Joel Baker (Christie), sister, Jennifer Cox, and grandchildren, Sarah Plitt, John Patrick Plitt, Lawrence Renz, Leah Payne, and Claire Payne.
The family will hold a private ceremony in the future to spread her ashes at one of her most treasured locations.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Valerie’s memory to your local animal shelter.
