Valeria Ann Graves was born in Toledo, Ohio on June 14, 1957, to George W. Beauchamp and Annie L. Daniel.

Valeria was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and the best Nana anyone could ever ask for! She always had a comment, or opinion, and had no problem always speaking her mind. “How you doin?” She would say and burst out laughing.

Valeria was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, church, and community. She accepted Christ into her life at an early age, most known in her home church of Jerusalem Baptist for reciting the Beatitudes with her sister Rene. It is also where she met her best friend, Debra Hale. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggles and ultimately gave her peace. Valeria loved music; especially her Luther Vandross, playing cards, and her sauteed shrimp and egg foo young with a cold Vernors.

In 1980 she met the love of her life John R. Graves. They were married on May 21, 1980. Their union lasted 36 years, and she remained by his side until his passing.

Valeria attended and graduated in 1975 from Jesup W. Scott High School, where she was a part of the RBS movement, or as we all know …. Rene, Bona, Sona! She also attended the University of Toledo where she earned her bachelor’s degree as a Dual Diagnosis counselor in Mental Health and Substance Abuse, retiring very early from the Volunteers of America to pursue a job she loved until her passing… Nana.

On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, the Lord Almighty called his daughter home to be with him.

Valeria was preceded in death by her father George W. Beauchamp, mother Annie L. Daniel, husband John R. Graves, and best friend Debra Hale.

Valeria is survived by her stepmother, Ella Mae Willams; daughters Aundrea (Rufus) Simmons, Rashida Graves, and devoted baby girl Jamila Graves. Brothers Victor and Paul Beauchamp, Kevin Payne, Karrington Daniel, Curtis (Gloria) McDonald, and Kenneth (Juana) Wade. Sisters Rene Williams, Sheria Beauchamp, Trevina Payne, and Jacqueline Daniel. Grand Divas Ai ’Jana and Ai ’Jani Collins, Arayah Toles, Victoria Oshodin, Amaiya Simmons and her newest diva Knova Winfree, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.