Valerie Nicole Nelson, age 51, went home to be with the Lord on April 29, 2026. She was born November 4, 1974, in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Kenneth and Valerie (Studdard) Nelson. Valerie was a lifelong Ypsilanti resident.

She worked as a self-employed janitor. She found the most joy in simple, everyday moments— shopping, enjoying her favorite snacks like Almond Joys and potato chips, and relaxing with word searches. She also liked going to Coney Island and trying her luck on FanDuel. Above all, she loved spending time with her friends and family, particularly her children, grandson, and mother.

Valerie is survived by her mother, Valerie L. Nelson; her children, Sha'Cole Watkins, Tajha Eddins, Eddie Eddins III, Cameron Nelson, and Laila Nelson; her grandson, Kyhri Watkins; her sisters, Andrea Watkins and Cheryl (Keith) Lee (Keith); her brother, Kelly Nelson; and her beloved granddog, Blade.

She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth C. Nelson, and her daughter, Makayla R. Nelson.

A funeral service will be held 11 am Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, with a family hour beginning at 10 am.