Valerie Perkins Shurbet was born in Pleasanton, Texas on August 14th, 1956 to her loving parents, Frank and Maurine Perkins. She was the youngest of five children, otherwise known as "the baby" of the family or "Me Val". The Lord called her home on October 4th, 2025 at 12:41 at the age of 69.

Valerie was a woman like no other. She felt deeply, loved unconditionally, and prayed fearlessly. She grew up worshipping in the Pleasanton Church of Christ, often bragging about having the fullest pew of family in the congregation. Val prided herself in the continuing faith of her extended family, regarding it as a legacy. She not only instilled faith into her family but also the youth of the church through teaching and attending events like church camp. She had a heart that bled for anyone in need, no matter who or where they were. She wanted everyone to have food, clothing, and a safe place to sleep—even if it meant opening her own home to them. Volunteering was her strong suit amongst her community in Corpus Christi and was awarded much recognition for her actions. She took great pride in her work with the 78415 Youth Development Program in Corpus, where she secured more than $1.25 million in grants to create recreational activities, parks and after school programs aimed at keeping local youth engaged, safe, and away from gang involvement. Valerie embraced opportunities to inspire others, serving as a public speaker for Leadership Corpus Christi under the guidance of Mayor Lloyd Neil. Her children and grandchildren recall her stories of standoffs between herself and "gang members" in her own front yard, reflecting her fearless spirit.

Her passions overflowed into the arts and her great, loving family. Valerie loved the holiday season and always asked for a big, festive Christmas with many lights and loved ones near. Her favorite past times were singing songs, drawing, sewing, and telling all sorts of stories to her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of thirty-six years, Mark Shurbet, who referred to her as his "Sweet Precious".  She had a heart full of love for everyone around her, and the love her husband had for her was deep and unwavering—a quiet, constant reflection of the love she so freely gave. She leaves behind her son, Jack Andrew Bryan and his wife Theresa, her daughter Kasey O'Neal and her husband Shane, and her daughter Kathryn Thompson and her husband Richard. Her legacy lives on in her grandchildren Andrew Bryan & his wife Kendra, Brandon O'Neal, Laynie Bryan, Madison O'Neal, Addison O'Neal, Violet Shurbet, Jayce Bryan, Eleanor Thompson and great granddaughter Harper Bryan.

Valerie is also survived by her siblings, Stephanie Domke and her husband Warren, Jeanene Reese, Timothy Perkins and his wife Jody and Linda Perkins (wife of her brother the late Frank Jr).  In her heart, there was no distinction between in-laws and family–they were simply loved ones. Valerie's memory is cherished by Mark's family, brother Rick Shurbet (wife Diane), sister Carla Wallace (husband Danny), sister Susan Cearley (husband Ken), sister Andi Estes (husband Monte). Valerie will fondly be remembered by her numerous nieces and nephews, along with her cherished friends.

Preceding Valerie in death are her parents Frank Perkins Sr & Maurine Perkins, her brother Frank Perkins Jr, her in-laws– Jimmy & Margaret Shurbet and her niece Amy Wallace.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Hurley Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Pleasanton Church of Christ Church, at 10:00am. Interment will follow in Sunshine Community Cemetery in Corpus Christi at 3:00 pm.