Our angel and jewel, Valerie Burris was born October 5, 1964 to Joe and Grace Cherry Lee Gaskins in Lake City, South Carolina. In 1971, she came to Paterson, NJ where she attended, PS # 12 and John F. Kennedy High School, graduating in 1982. She met the love of her life, Phillip M. Burris in 1982 and the two were joined in holy matrimony in 1988. Two beautiful children were born through this union; Tavone and Sarissa Gaskins. Valerie's passion was caring for others and nurturing children. She worked as a care provider for many years. In 2000, Valerie became a licensed child care provider, certified by the state of NJ. Valerie's daycare was open for business and she loved every child that walked through her door. She would open early and stay late for parents who worked long hours. Valerie loved the Lord. She was a member of Holy Tabernacle Apostolic Church in Paterson, NJ under the leadership of the late Bishop Lula and Clinton Williams. After serving there for many years, Valerie joined Christian Fellowship Center in Paterson, NJ under the leadership of Apostle Joel D. Rudolph, Sr. where she served faithfully on the Nurses Board. Valerie shared her love and passion for Christ with everyone she came in contact with especially her family. Valerie sent inspiration messages as well as prayers everyday to her children, sisters and friends. Even when we asked her to stop because we couldn't read the font, she enlarged it, resent it and kept sending and sending and sending.... We are going to miss her daily inspirations. Valerie's love for bible study caused her to order bible study lessons that were mailed to her. She read each lesson, answered the questions, receiving a 100 every time. Cooking, shopping and eating were some of her favorite things to do. You could find Valerie at BJ's almost every day; but rest assured she was coming home to prepare an awesome meal. Valerie watched the food network and mastered the recipes. Her dishes could have won many awards on the Food Network. Eating together as a family was very important to her. She would wait for her children and family to arrive before serving. If you did not come on time, you missed a good meal, no leftovers. Her shopping trips with her mom and sisters were the best. The laughs and smiles were endless. Let's not forget about her hair, nails and feet...TOP PRIORITY. She was beautiful inside and out. Valerie was affectionately called Baby Girl by her loving Husband Phillip. Valerie was a lioness. Her children, grandchildren, and dog Prince Louis were the loves of her life. She was the "G.O.A.T" of all aunties. Valerie just wanted everyone to be happy. Never complaining but loving with a smile on her face. She was selfless, strong, caring, loving, kind, trustworthy, ambitious and loved unconditionally. Valerie was predeceased by one brother, JoNathan Gaskins. She leaves to cherish her memories; Her husband of 35 years, Phillip M. Burris, one son, Tavone Gaskins, one daughter Sarissa Gaskins, five grandchildren; Taymair Gaskins, Zy'mirah Gaskins, Brianna Gaskins, Tavin Gaskins, Karter Gaskins; Five sisters, Grace Gooden Gaskins, Martha Henry, Angela Gaskins, Ester Gaskins, Otealia (Keith) Murray; Five brothers,Terry (Denise) Gaskins, Nathaniel Gaskins, Steven(Jocelyn) Gaskins, Emanuel (Carmen) Gaskii Two special sister-in-laws, Ruth Edwards and Betty Burris, one brother-in-law Charles Burris, her best friend since elementary school Rosa Hannibal, special daughters, Tenisha Gallashaw, Natasha Rosado, Britney Valentine(Morgan, Kennedy and Bryson) and a host of nieces, nephews relatives and friends.