Obituary of Valerie Yurchuk

Valerie Yurchuk, born on May 31, 1950, in Philadelphia, PA. to the late Zonia Kennedy and Decanie Ponds, peacefully joined her late husband, Gregory Yurchuk in eternal rest on Monday, September 3, 2023.

Valerie received her education in the Philadelphia school system and proudly graduated from William Penn High School in 1967. She also held the distinction of being a member of the inaugural graduating class of Julie R. Masterman Magnet School, which she attended elementary and middle school.

From a young age, Valerie embraced Christ as her personal savior. At the time of her passing, Valerie was a devoted member of Open-Door Baptist Church, under the spiritual guidance of Pastor Biship Jeramiah Norris.

In her professional life she held managerial positions at banking institutions in the Philadelphia region as well as other customer facing positions. Upon her retirement and relocation to Florida, she took on Fund Raising and hosted Cancer Walks with the assistance of the Cocoa Beach FL., Chapters of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to aid Cancer Survivors. She also facilitated “Book Bag Drives” and “Adopt a Family for the Holidays” to ensure underserved children in the Cocoa FL., area had what they needed for school and a little something special for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Valerie was known for her vivacious and outgoing personality, and her heart overflowed with compassion. She was a perpetual source of joy, always brightening any gathering she attended. Valerie’s infectious laugh and love for dancing and music, particularly soul music from the 60s through 80s, brought delight to those around her. In her later years, she often found solace in the same old-school music and engaged in spirited games of bingo with her cherished friends.

Valerie was not only a loving mother, mother-in-love, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend but a true pillar of strength for her family. She was preceded in death by her parents Zonia Kennedy and Decanie Ponds, husband Gregory Yurchuk, as well as her brothers, Felton Robinson Jr., and Sherman Robinson. Valerie leaves behind a legacy of love, survived by her sister Elzena Robinson, three daughters, Felicia Tracey (Donavan), Kelly Blocker (Gregory), and Robin Cannady-Greeno (Sharod) as well as three bonus sons, Thomas Lawrence, Jamarr Thomas and Vincint Cannady. Her memory lives on through her cherished grandchildren: Ashley Renee Blocker, Shakierah Cannady, Amir Blocker, Rafie Greeno, Allante Blocker, Sharod Greeno, Tishauna Tracey, Nasanya Tracey, Danae Tracey, as well as her great-granddaughters, Addison Rose Blocker, Dallas Greeno and Ari Reign Jones. Additionally, she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts.