Iris Valentine

June 22, 1932 - July 17, 2021

July 17, 2021 Iris Ogburn Valentine was called to her Heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom she dearly loved. The first of four children, Iris was born to Robert and Hattie Ogburn on June 22, 1932. She accepted the Lord at a young age and publicly proclaimed her faith in Christ at the age of 12 in Temple Gate RZUA in South Hill, VA. Iris grew into an industrious competitive teen and in 1948 she graduated as the Valedictorian of her class from Mecklenburg County Training School. She went on to fulfill her mother's educational dream by graduating from Virginia State College in 1952. Following her degree, she served three decades as an educator in Portsmouth Public Schools as well as in the New York City School system. As long as her health permitted, Iris’ passion for learning, teaching and serving found many outlets in Sunday School, Adult Education, Bible College, Hospitality, and many other ministries. She passed on her love of learning to her six children and thousands of students from elementary school age to adults. Iris leaves to continue her legacy: Avis (Victor) Gregory, Loris (Benjamin) Ayirebi and their children and grandchildren, Unis Clinton and her children and grandchildren, O. Zachary (Dionne) Bass and their children and grandchildren, the children and grandchildren of Janis Phillips, Thomasina Valentine, and a multitude of spiritual children including Virginia Darlene (Sydney) Hunt, Walter Brickhouse, and many more. Siblings: Florence Branch, Bobby (Joyce) Ogburn. Nephews: Horace Tabb (Pamela) Branch Jr. and children, Glenn (Jo Marie) Sharpe and children, Christopher Ogburn, and niece Erin Carrol Ogburn and children. Special friends: Janice (James) Adamson, Alma (William) Brown, and a host of loved ones. Iris was preceded by her daughter: Janis Phillips, her parents: Robert & Hattie Ogburn, her brother: Glenn Ogburn, as well as Otis T Bass II and Thomas J. Valentine Jr. Iris was a gift from the Lord. She trusted the Lord, she worked for the Lord and she has returned to the Lord. Rejoice with us for He lent her to us, and we have been blessed. The family of Iris Valentine extends much appreciation for the gracious comfort and care from The Ayirebi, Clinton and Phillips families, Dr. Vivian Artis, Visiting Physicians of Norfolk, Farmers Home Healthcare, MOWP, The Grace Hospice Team, and Chaplain Jessica Yandell. We thank you for the many kind acts of love and support, words of comfort, prayer and thoughtful gestures extended to Iris and her family. May her memory be a blessing.