A special thanks to Mr. Jacques Bordeaux – GHS ‘71 (Bordeaux Collections) and Mrs. Debra Lee- GHS ‘70 for contributing to my thoughts.
My brother Ronald called me last night to inform me Debra Lee had reached out to him to let us know Valerie Whitworth passed. I immediately called her mother, Mrs. Carolyn Whitworth to convey my condolences and communicated how much I appreciated her allowing me to visit the home last year to see Valerie. Also, I subsequently spoke to Debra. Valerie passed on August 16, 2021 at approximately 4PM.
I live in West Adams and Valerie’s family home is in View Park, approximately 5 miles southwest.
In 1965 I first met Valerie. As many know even at the young age Greg Jones was like the “pied-piper” of Pomona, especially for those in south Pomona off Mission and White. If he took you in as a friend, you were also that of his crew, which included Valerie, Ebora, Angela, Steve Shy and later Debra. They ruled 6th Street between Myrtle and Buena Vista. We all took pride in attending Marshall Junior High school and Ganesha High School.
Anyway, she will be missed and I am so happy I knew her. I am happier that she made a contribution during her living days and she is now at peace and rest so that her memories will hold a special place in our hearts.
Valerie was an incredible person. Stylish, sharp, focused, friendly and all of the attributes that made you happy to be in her company. Once we all graduated and went our separate ways, like many of you there were friends who stayed in touch and became part of our adult life. You may also remember Valerie and Bob Ferrell were two of our classmates who were at UCLA during the early ’70’s. I would visit them frequently, usually on a Friday. Bob was playing football and Valerie was hitting the books. She was so amazing and we use to joke because she was one of few that I knew who achieved tremendous the rare academic excellence by gaining her joint degree: MBA/JD.
-30-
Thomas Reports 