Valina Melissa Collier Connell, 49, of Valdosta, passed away August 28, 2011. She was born Oct. 1, 1961 in Valdosta to Willie Ray and the late Margaret Collier of Statenville. She was a longtime resident of this area. Valina was a homemaker who loved being with and raising her children. She enjoyed camping and spending time with her grandchildren. She was skilled in making floral arrangements, gardening and cooking. A graduated of Echols County High, she was a member of the Pineview Baptist Church in Hahira. Survivors include her husband, Greg Connell, a son and daughter in law, Abram & Nicole Connell, daughter, Sara Connell, grandchildren, Hayden Connell & Addison Connell, all of Valdosta; father and his wife, Willie Ray & Nedra Collier of Statenville, sisters, Beverly Collier of Charleston, SC, Morgan Collier, Atlanta, brother & sister in law, Will & Kathy Collier of Lake Park; nephew and nieces, Wes Collier, Charleston, SC, Burt Connell, Jessica Connell of Valdosta. Also, numerous aunts, uncles & cousins and caring friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Margaret Bennett Collier. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2011 in the chapel of McLane Lakewood Funeral Home in Lake Park with Rev. Austin DeLoach and Rev. Philip Bradley officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 323 Pine Ave. Ste. 100, Albany, GA 31701 in memory of her mother Margaret Bennett Collier or to your favorite charity. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. McLane Lakewood Funeral Home. Funeral Home: McLane Lakewood Funeral Home 3119 West Marion Avenue Lake Park, GA US 31636