Missionary Valerie Melton Swanson

Valerie Denise Melton Swanson was born on May 13, 1952 in Wilmington, DE to the late Eugene and Beatrice Thomas. She was called home on September 2, 2020, surrounded by loved ones in Wilmington Hospital.

Val received her early childhood education in the Colonial School District. She graduated from De La Warr High School in 1971. She gave birth to her daughter Aereone Melton in 1972 and son Sharif Green in 1977. After a few years at Hercules, she decided to further her education, relocate to Gastonia, North Carolina and earned her Associate degree in Fashion Design from Gaston College in 1983. She returned to Delaware and shortly after began her 31-year career with the Department of Justice (retiring in 2015) where she created lifelong friendships.

Valerie has been a faithful Member/Missionary at Ezion Fair Baptist Church since 2012. She was busier in her retirement than when she was employed. She loved singing with her group The Gospel Ensemble, Missionary work, weekend getaways with her husband, fishing with her son, relaxing with her grand's, and card games with her family and friends. We may have outlived her, but we did not live more than her.

Valerie is preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Beatrice Thomas; brothers, Jerome (Gome), Tyrone and Bryan, and daughter Aereone Melton.
Valerie leaves to cherish her precious memories her husband, Andre Swanson; mother-in-law Delores Mann; sisters-in-law LaTonya Mann, Linda Moores and Annette Smith; brothers-in-law Michael Moores and Shawn Moores; sisters, Ella Mills, Leatrice Thomas, and LaJuan Webster, son, Sharif Green (fiance Donora Brown), grandson, Ryare Melton, granddaughters, Reason and Reonna Green, God-children Talon Duran and Marcus Houze (Bumpy); nieces Leatrice (Lady) Thomas, Lena Ward, Leah and Crisshay; nephew Donta' Thomas; grand-dog Rostro; and a host of in-laws, cousins, family and a world of friends that are more like family.

Valerie is survived by her husband Andre Swanson, and God Child, Talon Bumpy, Niece, Leatrice (Lady) Thomas, Leaha and Shay, Nephew, Donta' Thomas. A multitude of cousins and friends that are more like family. She also played mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister to many others. She was so much to so many.