Ms. Valerie Denise Gray

Valerie Denise Gray departed this earthly life on Friday, April 21, 2023, at her residence in Columbia, South Carolina. Born on February 14, 1970, in Columbia, SC, she was the daughter of Ellen Metze Gray and the late Otis Gray. Valerie was educated in the Richland County public school system and graduated in 1988 with honors from Lower Richland High School. Valerie attended Columbia College, where she enjoyed the personal interactions with her professors and classmates and the feeling of belonging in a family that attending a smaller college provided. Valerie graduated from Columbia College in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art and French. Valerie started her working life at the University of South Carolina in the Earth Science Institute Research (ESIR) and Geography departments which began her interests in plotting and the creation of maps. This lead to her initial employment at Lexington County Planning and Geographic Info Systems. Valerie was a Planning/GIS Technician for Lexington County Planning Division. She assisted in creating, building, maintaining, and modifying various data bases. Valerie also created and maintained the E-911 street and street address data base, assigned new E-911 street addresses as well as providing internal and external user support and training. Valerie also served as the County Emergency Management GIS Liaison and had completed numerous ICS and NIMS courses in an effort to build a better understanding and form a solid partnership with GIS and Emergency Management. Valerie was currently serving as the Finance Director/Treasurer for SCARC (South Carolina ARC Users Group). She previously served as the first African-American President of the organization and was honored to serve for two consecutive terms. Valerie’s spiritual journey began at an early age. She was baptized at Reeder Point AME Church, Columbia, SC. She participated in the initial Columbia Conference Youth Choir and enjoyed attending Sunday School and the Youth Conventions. Valerie remained active in her adult Christian journey at Bethel AME Church as an Usher and Greeter. She was a member of Pine Grove AME and the first Church Clerk and also served as Church Announcer. In her spare time, she enjoyed art, music, and travel. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Frederick Metze and Lilla Blakely Metze. She leaves to cherish fond and loving memories, her mother Ellen M. Gray; brother Otis Metze Gray; sister-in-law Stephanie Moss Gray; aunts: Alberta Weston; Mary Davis and Amie Montgomery; god sisters; Michele Washington and Chante Rodgers; and a host of cousins, friends, and co-workers who loved her dearly.

Ms. Valerie Denise Gray

February 14, 1970 - April 21, 2023