Valencia Merkerson was born November 13, 1951 to the late Melvin and Mary Thomas in Cincinnati, OH. She departed into eternal rest on January 3, 2018 in the sweet comfort of her home.

Valencia Merkerson received her education from Detroit Public Schools of Detroit, MI. Then continued her education at Wayne State University, where she studied to be a CNA Nurse and was a 1979 graduate.

Valencia Merkerson worked for the United States Army Postal Division for 20 years, and retired in the year 2007. Soon after, Valencia and her husband, Robert E. Merkerson, moved to Raeford, NC and became members of Silver Grove Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church. While a member, she was a faithful choir member and deaconess. 

She leaves to cherish her loving memories to her husband of 41 years, Robert E. Merkerson; 3 sisters, and one brother; five children Timothy "Jay" Merkerson (Carla), of Jacksonville, FL; Sherri Merkerson-Latham (Demond) of Charlotte, NC; DeNorris “Pookie” Sutton of Hampton, VA; Robert “Little Robert" Merkerson, Jr. of Detroit, MI. and a God-Daughter Stephanie McCall, Kansas City, MS; 15 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends that will admire her presence forever.