December 20, 1961 - March 29, 2025
Valarie Jean Newkirt Cone, known to many as “Val”, was born on December 20, 1961, in Millen, GA to the late James Newkirt and Eddie Lee Washington.
She received her formal education in the public school system of Bulloch County in Statesboro, GA. Valarie was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest children began elementary school, she then gained employment with Popeye’s and later moved to Savannah. She began working at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, GA in Environmental Services and later transferred to Patient Transport.
After many years working in the medical field, she became a full-time caregiver, married the love of her life, Walter, on August 1, 2007. They later moved to Macon, GA to continue caring for her patient and brother from another mother, Charlie Kernigan of Macon, GA.
Valarie loved her plants and flowers. She also enjoyed baking cakes, making wine, listening to gospel music, reading the bible, and working in the yard. Valarie spent the majority of her life caring for her husband, children, grandchildren, and many others.
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, God picked a flower from His garden and handed it to Valarie. She peacefully entered to rest at her residence. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Lafayette Cone; father, James Newkirt; parents, Mr. Alex and Eddie Lee Washington; sister, Latonya Newkirt.
Valarie leaves cherished memories to four sons, Maurice Washington of York, PA, Terrence (Kimberley) Ripley of Pooler, GA; Sammy Ripley of Savannah, GA; Julius Ripley of Statesboro, GA; and one daughter, Julia Hollis; two stepsons, Walter (Tunisa) Cone, Jr. and Nicholas Cone of Macon, GA; grandchildren, Nia Washington, Darrell Knoch, Courtney Ripley, Cameron Ripley, Ryan Kelley, Reyce Ripley, Tiffney Ripley, Tierra Ripley, Jakhia Ripley, Keri Lanier, Jaylan Lanier, Stephanie Hollis, Steven Hollis, and Donald Hollis. Siblings, Beatrice Dunbar Thomas of Statesboro, GA; Charles Dunbar of Covington, GA; Toney Washington of McDonough, GA; Estella (Carlton) Roberson of Brooklet, GA; Timothy (Senora) Washington of Orlando, FL; Rhenetri Washington and Rheneta Ward of Statesboro, GA, James Lashon (Sharon) Newkirt of Greer, SC. Uncles, Maurice (Kimberly) Jackson of Statesboro, GA; Calvin (Patricia) Washington of Evans, GA; Virgil Newkirt of Millen, GA, aunts; Kathy Lacy of Augusta, GA and Lillian Brown of Statesboro, GA; eleven great-grandchildren, five nephews, six nieces, nine great-nephews, four-great nieces, a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Family and friends may visit the funeral home on Friday evening, April 11, 2025, from 5 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. for viewing and visitation.
The funeral service for Mrs. Valarie Cone, will be held at 3 P.M. Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the Ben Samuel Hill Memorial Chapel of Hill's Mortuary, Inc. with the Elder Donald Chavers, Jr., officiating. Burial will follow in the Johnson Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Portal Georgia.
Final rites have been entrusted to Hill’s Mortuary, Inc.
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