On December 23, 1951, in Galveston, Texas, a beautiful baby girl, was born to Renel Lee Boudreaux and the late Bernice Farmer Boudreaux.  Lil Miss Valerie Yvonne was the first grand-daughter of the family and was affectionately known as "Fannie", which she denied because it wasn't on her birth certificate.  Being spoiled rotten, she ignored them, but they laughed and loved her all the more.  All she had to do was asked, they never said no.  Only two feet but dozen.

     At an early age, Valerie accepted Christ as a personal savior at Warren Winfield Methodist Church, now known as Faith United Methodist Church in Dickinson, Texas.  Valerie sung in the choir as a choir member. As she got older and her talents progressed, she became the pianist/organist for the church during her teen years.  In her college years, Valerie remained dedicated to her calling and continued her service as organist throughout college.  Val contributed in church fundraising events and helping out with vacation bible school, while in Dickinson.  Austin membership, upon returning to Dickinson, she continued serving in these ministries.

     Today we honor and celebrate the life of this extraordinary woman who has gone on to receive her award. Valerie Boudreaux Haywood answered her call to glory on May 18, 2025. 

     Valerie was educated in Dickinson, Texas and graduated from Dickinson High School in 1970.  Valerie continued her education, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, with a minor in music at Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, Texas (now Huston-Tillotson University) in 1974.  While at, Huston-Tillotson University Valerie pledged and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Phi Beta Lambda, business honor society and who's who among students in American universities and colleges.

     Valerie was a dedicated and faithful employee for many years, having worked at IBM in Houston, Texas, and in Austin, Texas for 24 years; Adams Globalization in Austin, Texas; United States Army Corps of Engineers in Galveston, Texas; Yellowstone Academy in Houston, Texas; and substitute teaching in the Dickinson independent School District.

     Valerie was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Huston-Tillotson University International Alumni Association, where she served as assistant recording secretary and in the Houston Chapter, where she served as Vice President, corresponding secretary and chairperson for the breakfast roundup; a member of the NAACP; chairperson for Juneteenth Breakfast; and a member of the Faith United Methodist Women.

     Valerie truly had a heart of gold. Valerie was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt; great, great-aunt, and had a legion of friend's who loved and admired her.

     Valerie was greeted in heaven by her mother, Bernice Farmer Boudreaux; brothers, Renel Lee Boudreaux, III, and Ronald Ray Boudreaux; grandparents, Robert and Edna Farmer, and John and Helen Winfield.

     Valerie leaves the most loving and cherished memories with her son, Justin Renel Haywood; grandson, Davion Renel Haywood; step-son, Dominique Pugh (Paula); father, Renel Lee Boudreaux; brothers, Reginald Lee Boudreaux and Michael Kevin Boudreaux (Ana Laura); nephew, Jerrold Boudreaux; nieces, Todameka Boudreaux Mitchell (Michael), Jamila Boudreaux Taylor, (Cheikh), India Boudreaux and Natalia Boudreaux; great nieces, Amira Maruf, and Leilah Taylor; great-nephew, Ahmir Taylor and Phoenix Brown; great niece, Brylee Hampton; a host of other members, church members, many friends, including the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Huston-Tillotson University Alumni family.

As I leave you, I want you all to remember, “When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.”  

Remember, God loves you, and so does Val!