Vallen Luther Emery

Vallen Luther Emery Sr. was born on October 13, 1923 to the late Travis and Alice Carey Emery in Vacherie, Louisiana. The above words of the Apostle Paul describe the comforting assurance from God, which we saw in Vallen, especially in the last few months of his life. He was always teaching. Throughout his life, he was teaching us all what it means to live in the grace and peace of Christ-for the spirit of God was there.When asked by one of the many visiting clergymen if he were up to a prayer, he uttered in his last speaking moments, “never enough prayer,” which underscored his deep faith and his undaunting spirit. Even as his strength was eroding week by week and month by month, it was evident that his faith was not by human confidence and commitment, but undergirded by the same Spirit that created the heavens and the earth. Vallen knew that Christ was beside him in the midst of it all. In his characteristic indomitable way, Vallen continued to live and enjoy life while he continued to serve as an ardent member of Heritage United Church of Christ and as the pivotal point of his family up to his very last waking moments. He would have had it no other way.As the only child, with his mother dying as he was born, his paternal aunt, Fannie Trench, in Vacherie, Louisiana, raised him until he was six years old. After the age of six, his father, Travis, assumed the role of “mother” and father, molded, and guided the development of a beautiful son in New Orleans, Louisiana. When Val Sr. was sixteen years old, his father married the former Lizzie Jackson, who affectionately became Val’s “Mama Lizzie.”In 1941, Val enrolled in Tuskegee Institute however; World War II interrupted his college career. He was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in the Pacific Theatre. Upon discharge, he re-entered Tuskegee and graduated in 1949. It was at Tuskegee that he met Anne Osborne, the woman who would be the “apple of his eye” for the next 56+years of his life. From this marriage three sons were born: Vallen Jr., Gregory (who preceded his father in death July 14, 2000), and Travis.Vallen was a man of indubitable strength and industriousness. His career path took him to the First Bibb county Training School in Centerville, Alabama, where he served as a mathematics teacher and basketball and track coach. When the family relocated to New Orleans in 1953, he was employed by the United States Post Office. Upon moving to Baltimore in 1961, his successful world of work included services as an Industrial Arts teacher at Cherry Hill Junior High; a clerk in the United States Post Office; and specialist in the Department of Transportation for th Baltimore City Public Schools. Whatever task he undertook it was executed with skill, care and joy. No matter how technical the job, his relationship skills always emerged. Religion was always central to Val. His daily life epitomized a deep sense of devotion and reverence. As a primary founder of Heritage United Church of Christ founded in 1963, he remained a faithful member throughout his life. He was the lifetime chair of the Board of Deacons and was active in the Men’s Fellowship. Additionally, he played a major role on the national level with the United Church of Christ. His skills were greatly admired as he served as president of the Chesapeake Association of which he was immediate past president upon his death. He had also been active with the Central Atlantic Conference.Vallen cherished his family. He always encouraged and supported the endeavors of his wife and sons. As they traversed through the multiplicity of local, state, and national roles, Vallen was always, yes, always, there facilitating their every need that translated into success. Vallen was a “gentle giant.” He loved people and people of every age gravitated to him.Family and home were important cornerstones for Vallen. He believed that the beauty of a home is harmony; the security of home is loyalty; and the joy of home is love. His spirituality and intrinsic view of home were depicted in his perception and love for family. His family was expansive. Yes, there were his loving wife and highly successful sons. However, he embraced a multitude of persons, relatives, and non-related, as his gentle ways, listening ear, sense of confidentiality and genuineness bought many to his home and to his familiar embrace. Both children and adults sought “Mr. Val’s” quiet deportment. He bequeathed to his family a sense of reverence and a deep belief in God. His love for family never faltered; no challenging moments ever had the impetus to weaken his mutual love for family. The legacy of his love for family will be indelible.He was an avid Bridge and Pinochle player, always enjoying the camaraderie of his partners and traveling to tournaments throughout the country. His numerous awards are a testament to his skill and gamesmanship.In the community he was a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Industrial Arts Association and the Ashburton Community Association.Left to cherish the love, patience and life of Vallen are his loving and devoted wife, Anne; two sons, Vallen L. Emery Jr., Ph.D. and Travis C. Emery, J.D.; three grandson, Vallen L. Emery III of Detroit, Michigan, Tyrone and Ryan McNeill; two great grandchildren, Hannah Emery and Vallen L. Emery IV; a daughter-in-law, Michele Emery; a sister and brother-in-law, Ivaola and Eddie Fyfe of Texas; a sister-in-law, Elaine Jackson of New Orleans, Louisiana; Godchildren, Alvin Hayman Jr., Susan Buckson-Green, Alex Boston; a devoted friend, William L. Jews; mentees, Alex Brooks and Matthew Turner; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Vallen Luther Emery

October 13, 1923 - May 24, 2004