Jean B Valentine

Jean Beverly Valentine (Spafford), age 92, of Seminole, Florida passed away in her room at Freedom Square Specialized Nursing on March 25th, 2024. She passed peacefully with her daughter Kathy and son Michael at her bedside. Jean was born in Buffalo, NY on May 24, 1931 in Buffalo, NY to Lionel and Martha Spafford (Danks). She married Robert “Bob” Valentine on June 7, 1952, and they were married until Bob’s passing in 2013. They had 3 children; Michael (1953), Geoffrey (1956), and Kathleen (1959). Jean was predeceased by her husband, and survived by her daughter Kathy (Valentine) Koons and her husband Keith Koons, and her son Mike Valentine and his wife, Lissa (Rakity) Valentine. Also surviving are her grandchildren Lauren Koons, Maria Valentine, Andrew Koons and Edgar Valentine.

Jean was always a dedicated and affectionate wife to Bob and a wonderful, devoted, and loving mother to her children. She was also a true Christian, living out her faith and serving the churches she belonged to with a generous and giving heart. In Buffalo, NY, she was a member of the congregation at Lafayette Presbyterian Church, serving in a number of capacities including teaching Sunday School and Nursery School, leading and participating in bible study groups, running dinners, providing outreach to the community with meals on wheels and taking communion to people who couldn’t get to church. When Jean and Bob moved to Florida in 1989, they joined the Lake Seminole Presbyterian Church where she continued her ministry, serving in several capacities, and working at the church’s thrift shop to raise funds for various charities She was honored with the Lord’s Cheerful Servant award.

Jean moved to Freedom Square in Seminole in 2020 with her son Geoff, providing a safe place for them to live (still the devoted parent!). She made new friends and moved to the rehabilitation and skilled nursing area after several falls in 2022. There, she made more new friends and was an active participant in activities. She became a favorite with many of the aides, nurses, and other staff due to her outgoing and pleasant nature. Jean was always willing and anxious to help other residents playing Bingo, Uno, or other games, again giving of herself for others. As several people who knew her have noted, “Everybody loved Jean. No one ever had a bad word to say about her”.

Jean’s remains will be cremated and her ashes placed at Bay Pines National Cemetery with her husband’s ashes. A service of remembrance will be held May 17th at 4PM at Lake Seminole Presbyterian Church where Jean and Bob worshiped. Those who may wish to remember Jean in a special way can donate, in her name, to Lake Seminole Presbyterian Church, 8505 113th St. Seminole, FL 33772 [727-391-5509].