Women’s History Month Family Spotlight: Valerie Faulcon

A police officer in uniform stands next to an American flag and a poster featuring an eagle with the word 'COURAGE' inscribed below.

Valerie Faulcon is a proud daughter of Courtland, Virginia, and a graduate of Southampton
High School. Her life reflects a deep commitment to faith, family, and public service, values
that have guided her journey across the United States and around the world. A woman of
faith, Valerie expresses her spiritual beliefs through the way she treats others; with
kindness, grace, and compassion. Her faith inspires her daily life and shapes the way she
serves her family, church, and community.


Honoring Two Mothers


Valerie’s life story is also one of love, resilience, and the powerful influence of two
remarkable women. She was given the gift of life by her mother, Adline Blow, whose legacy
remains an important part of Valerie’s family heritage. After the passing of her birth mother
when Valerie was young, she was lovingly raised and adopted by Susie Bradshaw Faulcon,
who provided her with a strong foundation of love, guidance, faith, and character. Through
Susie’s nurturing care, Valerie was given a powerful example of grace, dignity, strength, and
compassion that continues to shape her life today. Together, these two women represent
the roots and foundation of Valerie’s life, one who gave her life and another who helped
shape the woman she became.


Faith and Church


Since 2009, Valerie has been an active member of Historic First African Baptist Church in
Savannah, Georgia, one of the most historic African American congregations in the United
States. Her church family remains a meaningful part of her spiritual life and faith journey.

Education


Attended Norfolk State University (2 years)
Life Experiences Around the World

  • Guam
  • Canada
  • Illinois
  • Vermont
  • California
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Savannah, Georgia
  • Nassau, Bahamas (six years)

Although she has lived in many places, Courtland, Virginia, will always be home.

Military Work History


Valerie entered the United States Navy on December 1, 1981, serving honorably for over 10 years.

  • First Duty Station: NCBC Gulfport, Mississippi (SEABEES)
  • Radioman (E5) Top Secret Communications aboard USS Dixon (AS-37) and USS McKee
    (AS-41)
  • Military Police at Naval Weapons Station, Fallbrook, CA (memorable event includes a close
    encounter with a 350lb mountain lion)
A smiling service member in military uniform, featuring a black suit and white hat with an insignia, standing in front of an American flag.

Civilian Federal Service

  • US Customs and Border Protection Officer
  • Diplomat in Nassau Bahamas for 6 years
  • Worked closely with FBI, DEA, ATF, US Secret Service, USDA and Foreign and local Government on a daily basis. 
  • Boarded Air Force One met with President George H.W. Bush Sr. and Cabinet Members.  

Notable Encounters

In her career she personally met many celebrities including:


Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Desmond Tutu, Quincy Jones, Bishop Neil Ellis, Dr. Myles
Munroe, Usher, Snoop Dog, Louis Gossett, Jr. Dr. Dre, Serena Williams, Nia Long, Yolanda
Adams, Shaquille O’Neal aka Shaq, Rance Allen, Donnie McClurkin, Patti LaBelle, Whitney
Houston, Evander Holyfield, Gerald Levert, Barbara Eden, Elton John, Tia & Tamara Mowry,
Colin Powell, President H. George Bush, Richard Smallwood, Katherine & LaToya Jackson, LL
Cool J and many more.  

Smiling man in sunglasses poses with a female police officer, both appearing friendly in an indoor setting.
Ray Charles & Valerie

Family


Valerie is the proud mother of Kenny Fullwood, who works for the Department of the Army
at Fort Bragg, NC. He is also a U.S. Navy veteran and a Master Barber.
Valerie comes from a large and loving family and treasures the strong bonds she shares
with her relatives. She enjoys gathering with family for celebrations and reunions and
frequently travels from Savannah, Georgia, to Courtland, Virginia, to remain connected with
her roots.

Siblings

  • Minnie Stiff
  • Sylester Babb
  • Paris Artis
  • Joe Lewis Faulcon
  • Hebert Artis
  • Atlena West
  • James Cleveland Whitehead
  • Tony Whitehead
  • Evelyn Darlene Clark
  • Katherine Johnson Clark

Grandchildren

  • Julian Fullwood
  • Jaden Fullwood
  • Gabriella Fullwood
A smiling older woman with short, curly hair wearing a checkered blouse, posed against a light blue background.
Minnie Faulcon (Valerie’s grandmother)

Retirement and Interests

  • Attending church worship and Bible study
  • Traveling
  • Thrift store and estate sales

A Tribute Poem – A Path of Service

From Courtland’s soil her journey began,
With faith in her heart and strength in her plan.
Across oceans and cities her service would roam,
Yet Courtland, Virginia remained her home.

Through Navy seas and duty’s call,
She served her nation and gave her all.
With steady hands and faithful grace,
She carried honor in every place.

From Customs posts to public care,
Her years of service showed how to share.
A life of duty, strong and true,
A shining path for others to view.

Though miles may stretch from coast to coast,
It’s family and faith she treasures most.
For in every heart that kindness sees,
Lives the spirit of Valerie Faulcon with ease.

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Barnes Blow Family

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading