Ila Bea Valentine, 95, of Statesville, N.C., went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 7, 2025.

Bea was born on July 20, 1930, in Cosby, Tenn., to Hobart and Gertie Smith. She graduated from Gaston High School in 1948. She had a 32-year career as a photo finishing retoucher for Delmar Studios. She was married to the love of her life, Jewel Valentine, for 62 years. She was known for her dedication to her family and her church. But most of all, she was a child of the one true God and a witness of His goodness to everyone she met. She taught Sunday School for over 50 years and had a passion for helping children come to know the Lord.

She is survived by her son, Michael Valentine, and his wife Tamara; daughter, Krista Bass, and her husband Billy; granddaughter Carissa Fowler and husband Gary; grandson Derek Bass and wife Brittany; grandson Kyle Bass and wife Carli; great grandchildren Jason Burchett and Mira Bass, two sisters Eudena Deese and Brenda Hill; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jewel Valentine, sister Edith Nolan, brother Daniel H. Smith, brother Buford Smith, and sister Shirley Stallings.

The family will be receiving guests at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Fairview Baptist Church in Statesville, 349 Turnersburg Highway, Statesville, N.C., followed by a funeral service at 12 noon and burial afterward in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Dylan Jones Academy, c/o Paul Hill, Fairview Baptist Church, 349 Turnersburg Highway, Statesville, NC 28625 or Gordon Hospice House at https://apps.hoic.org/donate-now or mailed to 2347 Simonton Rd, Statesville, NC 28625).

She was a light in this world, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family of Bea Valentine.