Valerie Eletta Wise, age 96 of Springfield, Virginia, formerly of Mt. Holly, New Jersey was born on July 17, 1924. She was the beloved daughter of the late Bishop William Butler, Sr. and Jennie Butler. Valerie completed her primary education at the Samuel Miller School in Mt. Holly, New Jersey and she took courses at the Burlington County Community College. In 1954, Valerie Wise married the love of her life, the late James E. Wise, Msgt, USAF. They were married for 54 years before he went home to be with the Lord. They were blessed to have a son, James E. Wise II. “Jamie” was the apple of her eye and he loved his mother with all of his heart.
Msgt James Wise was in the U.S. Air Force for over 27 years and together they were stationed in Europe and several Air Force bases throughout the United States. While Valerie was traveling, she enjoyed working at the Post Exchange at every Air Force Base that they were stationed. Upon returning to Mt. Holly, she ministered in her community and her church. She worked as a Technician for developmentally disabled adults for the State of New Jersey at the Adult Activity Center located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. For over 16 years she gave encouragement and support to help these young adults who thrived due to her love and devotion.
As a devoted follower of the Lord and lover of music, Valerie was the church pianist at Mt. Olive Rising Star Pentecostal Church in Westhampton, New Jersey for many years. It was always a joy for her to play in the church built by her father Bishop William Butler, Sr. and Reverend John Murray. Pastor Harold Sherrod is her Pastor.
Valerie touched the lives of everyone she knew with her sweet, loving caring spirit. She adored her nieces and nephews, treating them as her own sons and daughters. As we all know, Valerie had a sweet tooth and all her great-nieces and great-nephews knew that if they wanted some candy go to Aunt Val’s house. She loved her sisters dearly. Valerie as the youngest, was known as ‘babe’ to her sisters and you could always find Valerie lending a helping hand by making sure her sisters got to their appointments and anything else they needed. They also frequently bonded by spending time serving at church and dining at their favorite restaurants.
She loved her family dearly as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always encouraging them to praise and thank the Lord. She was proud of her son, daughter In-law and Grandchildren. Her last smiles in this life were for her great grandchildren. As a God-fearing person, she never missed a moment to tell her family about Jesus and she would always say ‘be ready.’ In addition to instilling a love for the Lord, she also showed the importance of music by encouraging her grandchildren to glorify God through music and getting them music lessons.
On Thursday, February 18th, 2021, Valerie went home to be with the Lord Jesus. Her husband, James Edgar Wise, siblings: Elmira Nixon, Pearl Smith, William Butler, Jr., Malcom Butler and Melba Santiago all preceded her in death and awaited her arrival in Eternity. She is survived by her devoted son, CAPT James Edgar Wise II, USN (ret); daughter-in-law, Pamela Drummond Wise; granddaughter, Ashley Patricia Wise; grandson, James Edgar Wise III (Latisha); granddaughter, Kimberly Wise Scott (James); great grandson, James Edgar Wise IV and great-granddaughter, Lola Ruth Wise; nieces; nephews; relatives; sister-in-Christ. Liz Crowley; her best friend, Margret Jackson; her Sunrise of Springfield family who all loved her dearly; and her church family away from home Fairfax Baptist Temple. Today, we celebrate her life and legacy.
Funeral services will be held in New Jersey. Please contact the TL Hutton Family and Friends Funeral Services at 609-239-4477 for further details on the services.
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