Valerie Sylvie James, affectionately known as Val was born on March 25th,1948 to the late Christophe and Ella Sylvie in Pineville, La. At an early age Valerie was baptized into the Catholic church where her faith in God was fostered and carried her throughout her life. She spent the greater part of her life as a parishioner of The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans in Shreveport, La. As a child she attended Blessed Sacrament and graduated from Notre Dame high school. She married Edward James in 1972, who preceded her in death. She worked as a school bus driver and retired from Caddo Parish School Board in 2014.

Above all, Valerie was a devoted mother and proud grandmother. She lived a life filled with love, kindness, and a healthy dose of spunk. She often showed her love with a delicious homecooked meal. As a widowed mother she worked hard to make sure that her daughter, Dominique, wanted for little while growing up. She later poured her love into her granddaughter Arissa, whom she picked up every day from school, frequently bought her favorite foods and held too many sleepovers to count. Arissa was the apple of her eye.

On Friday, October 16, 2026, Valerie passed from this world peacefully at the age of 78. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find comfort knowing she is at peace with the Lord.

Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, Christophe and Ella; her husband, Edward; siblings: brothers, Charlie Sylvie (also her best friend), Larry Rachal, Chris Sylvie, and Louis Sylvie; sisters, Mazella Beaudoin, Meda Jones, and Patricia Ann Sylvie.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her daughter, Dominique (Rashaad) Roberson; granddaughter, Arissa Roberson; brother, Bruce (Mary) Sylvie; sisters, Loretta Washington and Virgin Rachal; along with a host of nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.