On August 19, 2023, a modest, loyal, and gentle soul--Valerie Ann (Culotta) Jarvis--transitioned into everlasting love, peace, and rest with God and within our hearts. Born on August 6, 1946, to parents Sam and Mary Culotta, Valerie spent her childhood playing on the beaches of Jacksonville, Florida, voraciously reading, and attending church with her family, which included her dear maternal grandmother who provided much of her earliest spiritual grounding. Oldest of three sisters, Valerie graduated from Terry Parker High School in 1964 and moved to Atlanta, Georgia, at age 19 to pursue a career with Continental Insurance Company, eventually becoming the first female to hold her position. She soon met a special gentleman, Atlanta native Wesley Jarvis, through attendance at Atlanta First Church of the Nazarene. The couple was engaged atop Stone Mountain and married a year later in 1968. They eventually crafted their home on 12 beautiful acres in Lithonia, Georgia, and lovingly raised one daughter, Kellie Ann. The couple celebrated 53 years of marriage in 2021, not long before Wesley's passing that summer.
In her later years, precious onyx-eyed, soft-spoken Valerie delighted in her role as Grammy to her three treasured grandchildren, always being available for spend-the-night parties, yummy meals, games and crafts, trips to the store, story times, and birthday and holiday celebrations. Valerie also enjoyed volunteering her time and talents at her church, known by then as Gracepointe Church of the Nazarene. Through the years, she provided assistance in the nursery, children's classes, and vacation Bible school. She held various offices in the women's ministries, her Sunday school class, and the missions council. She and Wesley hosted several church group parties together, and most recently, Valerie contributed substantially at the church's reception café and in the library, greeting others with a sweet smile and helping hand. Everyone could count on her for efficient, thoughtful, and thorough service with kind regard for all. Prominently underlined in her Bible is Colossians 3:15 & 17: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God…."
May we honor Valerie's precious life by recalling her dutiful example, her gracious spirit, and many joyful moments shared. In addition to her beloved husband Charles Wesley Jarvis, Valerie is predeceased by her father Samuel Darwin Culotta from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; her mother Mary Katherine Steele Culotta from Jacksonville, Florida; and a twin brother Darrell Edward Culotta who passed away at birth. Remaining are her daughter Kellie Ann Jarvis Divis (Robert) of Macon, Georgia, and grandchildren Lila Eve Divis, Evan Robert Divis, and Zachary Alan Divis. Also remaining are two sisters Cheryl Lynn Culotta Keck (Roy) and Rebecca Ruth Culotta Coleman (Robert) and other family members, such as nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends. The place of interment is Gordon Church Cemetery in Royston, Georgia. A public memorial service to be held at Gracepointe Nazarene Church in Loganville, Georgia, will be announced at a later time.