Josephine Valencia

Josephine Ann “Josie” Valencia, of Green Bank, passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at Mon General Hospital in Morgantown, following a brief illness. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many.

Born April 27, 1933, at Maple Meadow, she was a daughter of the late Dewey and Lakie Cook.

Josie was a devout Christian and a member of the Liberty Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed helping neighbors and friends in many ways. Her family was truly her prized possession on this earth, and she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Josie was very proud to say she really was “Born a Coal Miner’s Daughter” as celebrated in song by superstar Loretta Lynn. Born and raised by native West Virginians, Josie was very proud of her mountain heritage. As an Army wife, she lived in different states until returning to Pocahontas County in 1973, where she lived for the remainder of her life. She also liked yellow roses, springtime, mornings, Alan Jackson music, WVU sports and cowboys.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, James “Buddy” Cook, Oather Cook and Glen Cook; a sister, Shirley Morgan; and a grandson, Trenton Brewer.

She is survived by a sister, Patsy Jenkins, of Pickaway; a brother, Lonnie Cook, of Hagerstown, Maryland; children, Kathy Kerr, of Green Bank, Tom Valencia, of Charleston, Karen Hamed, of Christiansburg,Virginia, and Tony Valencia, of Huttonsville. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren who lovingly call her “Narn” or “Narney.”

We love and miss you, Narney Josie!

Funeral service was March 22 at Wallace and Wallace Chapel. Interment was in the Dunmore Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 921 Neville Street, Beckley, WV 25801-4360 or visit www.cancer.org

Online condolences may be made at www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com