Valerie “Puddin” Grochola, age 61 of Weaver, passed away on July 7, 2024, at UAB Hospital. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Henry Grochola, Sr.; daughter, Heather Anne Grochola; son, Henry Grochola, Jr.; parents, Margaret Anne Perry and Joseph Perry; loving brother, Tommy Perry; grandchildren, Ashawnie Deanna McKinney and Kaliyah Danae McKinney; son-in-law, Dontrell Lashaun McKinney; and other family members, Johnnie Laverne Baldwin, Tim Baldwin, Christine Craig, Maynard Raymond Craig and Karl Craig.
From her beloved and cherished son:
“My mother is an extraordinary woman, embodying the kindness, love and care that anyone could ever wish for. She always knew the right words to say, making everything alright no matter what was thrown my way throughout life.
When it came to our family, she was the pillar of strength—fierce, unwavering, and always protective. My dad has always been there, faithfully standing by her side throughout my life.
Mom has been my unwavering support, standing by me through thick and thin.
She was always there beside me to face life’s challenges with unity and resilience. She is not just a mother; she is my rock—mentally, physically, and spiritually strong.
Mom, you will forever reside in my heart. As long as I breathe, it’s you and me against the world.”
From her beloved and only daughter:
“My mom was a person who would give the shirt of her back to help anyone in need. If she didn’t have one she would sew you one. She loved her dog Lil Bit. She also loved her Love and Hip-Hop show. My whole life she’s been there to help hand and foot. She was my personal teacher, nurse, therapist, chef, referee, when my brother and I would fight as we were growing up, but most of all she was my best friend. She was loved so much by many. Though my life will never be the same again, I’ll forever keep her memory alive. She’s taught me how to be a mother, how to be patient an how to never ever back down from anyone. She could throw a shot back like a pro. She loved her grandbabies probably more than anything else in the world, and boy they love their MeMe…. She will forever and ever and ever be with me in my heart. I love u mom it’s me and u forever and ever….”
Love,
Your Angel
