Valerie Truss

Mrs. Valerie Joyce Millender Truss, affectionately known as "Toodie," was born on May 13, 1963, to the late Barbara Nell Millender Swain and Bennie Samuel Garrett. She was a woman whose life was defined not by titles or possessions, but by the love she freely gave to others. Her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and genuine kindness left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her. At an early age, Toodie accepted Christ as her Savior and became a faithful member of New Maryland Missionary Baptist Church, where she worshipped and served throughout her life. Her faith was the foundation that carried her through every season. Whether life brought moments of celebration or seasons of uncertainty, she often reminded those around her with quiet confidence that "It is well." Those three words became more than her favorite saying-they became the way she lived. A proud graduate of Childersburg High School's Class of 1981, Toodie started working at Tyson Foods and later built a successful career as a Material Representative at General Dynamics. She was dependable, hardworking, and took pride in everything she did. Yet, if you asked those who knew her best what mattered most to her, the answer would always be family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a grandmother whose heart belonged to her girls. Her daughters and granddaughters were the center of her world, and she never missed an opportunity to celebrate them, encourage them, or remind them how deeply they were loved. Being their mother and grandmother wasn't simply a role she carried-it was one of her life's greatest joys. Toodie had a personality that was uniquely her own. She was known for her quick wit and smart mouth, always ready with the perfect comeback that could leave a room full of laughter. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind, but behind that playful sass was one of the gentlest and most compassionate hearts you could ever encounter. She loved deeply, gave freely, and had a remarkable way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. Whether she was sharing a laugh, offering words of encouragement, or simply showing up when someone needed her, Toodie loved with her whole heart-and those fortunate enough to know her were better because of it. On Thursday, July 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, Toodie peacefully exchanged time for eternity. Though our hearts grieve her absence, we find peace in knowing she was welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior and reunited with her beloved mother, Barbara Swain, and her precious granddaughter, Kamryn Garrett. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Victor Truss; her loving daughters, La'Terrel Millender of Alpine, Alabama, Tierra (Darrell) Guyton of Northport, Alabama, and Tynisha (Danterrius) Ball of Dacula, Georgia; and her treasured granddaughters, Aniya Ball, Kynadi Garrett, and Amani Ball, who will forever carry her love, wisdom, and gentle spirit in their hearts. She is also survived by her father, Bennie Garrett of Buffalo, NY, her brothers, Michael (Debbie) Garrett of Wichita, Kansas and Michael Turner of Alpine, Alabama; her sisters, Beverly (Daryl) Fomby of Prattville, Alabama, Stephanie Jackson, and Pamela Garrett of Buffalo, New York; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by knowing and loving her. Although Toodie's earthly journey has ended, her legacy lives on through every lesson she taught, every laugh she shared, every hug she gave, and every life she touched. She will be remembered not only for what she accomplished, but for how she made people feel-loved, accepted, encouraged, and at home. Her life was a beautiful reflection of faith, family, resilience, and unconditional love. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. And if Toodie could leave us with one final reminder, we know exactly what she would say..."It is well."

Tributes

Valerie Truss

May 13, 1963 - July 2, 2026