Valerie Joyce Watkins, age 63, of Jefferson City, passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at Landmark Hospital in Columbia. Valerie was born on January 23, 1959, in Waynesville, to H Bradley Watkins and Joyce G (Barr) Watkins of Crocker, who preceded her in death.

Valerie attended Kindergarten in Crocker, before the family moved to Iberia, where she graduated in 1977.

Valerie worked at the Lodge of Four Seasons at Lake Ozark during high school.  After graduation she began a career at the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Jefferson City, holding various positions from Clerk to Latent Fingerprint Tech II, before retiring after 32 years. During this time Valerie also worked at Wal-Mart for 15 years and enjoyed keeping up with many friends from Iberia. After her retirement from the Patrol, Valerie continued to work at various occupations to keep busy.

A life-long love of animals was instilled in Valerie by the family menagerie on the farm and she always had a variety of pets.  She is deeply missed by her cherished Dovey and Taz.

Valerie is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Jayme Watkins of Independence; niece, Rhiannon Watkins and husband Eduardo Fernandez of Independence; and nephew, Zach Watkins and wife Amanda of Lawrence, KS, and beloved great niece and nephews Luna, Noah and Parker.

A private graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, at Hickory Point Cemetery near Iberia with Bro. Dennis Nichols officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hickory Point Cemetery or a local animal shelter.