Valerie Drake Ozment, age 82, daughter of Arch and Grace Jackson Drake, who was born, July 11, 1935 in Atlanta, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on September 23, 2017 at her home in the care of her family in Jacksonville, Florida.

Valerie graduated from Carson-Newman College in 1957. She taught 7th grade English at several schools in Duval County from 1959-1979. After that, she devoted herself to her family, who loved her deeply. Valerie enjoyed music, drama, and language. She loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. She was also a gifted storyteller, and from childhood would entertain her family and friends with her vivid imagination. A life-long learner, she took many post-graduate college courses even into her older age. In her younger days, she enjoyed taking day trips and vacations with her family. She was a champion breakfast maker and loved serving it to her family and friends, much to their delight. Her Christian faith was deeply important to her throughout her whole life, and she was active in the church for many years. She had an indomitable spirit and an incredibly strong will to overcome any obstacles she faced. Though her family is comforted by the faith she instilled in them, she will be missed tremendously.

Valerie was preceded in death by her mother, Ester Grace Jackson, and her father, Arch Lewis Drake.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Thomas Ozment; two daughters, Mary (Adair) and Vicky Ozment; two granddaughters, and a great-granddaughter. She also survived by her sister, Rose Brown, and a brother, Robert Drake.

The family will receive guests for a Visitation 10 to 11AM, Thursday, September 28, 2017 at Terry Parker Baptist Church, 7024 Merrill Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32277

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 11AM Thursday September 28, 2017 at Terry Parker Baptist Church 7024 Merrill Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32277 with Pastor Dennis Singletary officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32211 (904) 724-6384.