Valerie Tomlinson, 55, of Muscle Shoals, Alabama passed away surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, September 27, 2015 after a courageous 26 month long battle with cancer.
She was born February 7, 1960 in Boston, Massachusetts to Marilyn Sue (Swarts) and Jerry Allan Tomlinson. From a young age it was apparent that music was one of her greatest passions. She was a self-taught musician who could play most any instrument she laid her hands on, but she had an innate gift for piano and guitar. Family and friends were fortunate to have spent countless hours listening to her sing and play throughout the years.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jerry Tomlinson. She is survived by her wife and the love of her life, Marla Yielding, Sheffield, Alabama; her mother, Marilyn Tomlinson, Muscle Shoals, Alabama; brothers, Jay Tomlinson, Memphis, Tennessee, and Rob Tomlinson, Muscle Shoals, Alabama; sisters, Elaine Stedelbauer (Mark), Williamsburg, Virginia, and Amy Styles (Michael), Muscle Shoals, Alabama; sister-in-law, Linda Tidwell (Ray), Rogersville, Alabama; and brother-in-law, David Yielding (Tammy), Killen, Alabama. She is also survived by very special nieces and nephews, Kate Stedelbauer, Luke Stedelbauer, Sam Styles, Henry Styles, Lillie Styles and Wesley Yielding. They will miss their Boo Boo dearly. She will also be missed by her sweet and devoted dog, Maggie Mae.
Valerie’s family wants to acknowledge and thank her doctors, nurses and caregivers for everything they did to help her during her battle. We are forever grateful to Dr. Mark Smith, Dr. Jeremy Thompson, Dr. Mike Shukla, Dr. Shelby Bailey, Dr. Hemant Patel, Dr. Karl Hagler, Dr. Patrick Daugherty, Dr. Christine Davis and her special caregiver, Jackie Melton. We also want to thank all of the nurses and aides on 3rd and 4th at Helen Keller Hospital, the Northwest Alabama Cancer Center, Glenwood Nursing and Rehab, and Gentiva Hospice. Special thanks to Kim Gaisser, RN form Gentiva Hospice for the kindness you showed to Valerie and our family during her final hours.
In true Valerie fashion, she didn’t want a funeral or memorial service and asked that we instead host a party celebrating her ultimate healing. Her Celebration of Life will be held at her sister’s home at 1912 Crescent Drive in Muscle Shoals, Alabama on Saturday, October 3rd at 5pm. Everyone that knew and loved Valerie as well as friends of her family are invited to attend.
Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:31
