IRVING, Texas — Valerie Lucius Lambert, 55, went home to Jesus Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017.

Valerie was born Sept. 5, 1962, in Jackson to Ray and Recenah Weddle Lucius.

Valerie graduated from Warren Central High School in Vicksburg and from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She received a master’s in education from Texas A&M – Commerce.

In 2007, Valerie married the love of her life, Steve Lambert, and they lived happily in the Las Colinas area of Irving.

Valerie’s passion for art, children and young people led her to teach art at Kaufman High School in Kaufman, Texas. Valerie has always had a spirit of giving to others. She is referred to by many as “the sweetest person I know.”

Valerie loved and encouraged thousands of young people through her teaching over the last 29 years. Valerie and Steve were active members of Gateway Church in Southlake. Valerie regularly performed a healing arts ministry through Gateway and served as a volunteer Prayer Counselor. She had a passion for helping children and made numerous mission trips to Africa.

In June of this year Valerie participated in a mission trip to Zambia helping grow an orphanage for “Christ in You International Ministry.”

She loved playing tennis often at Las Colinas Country Club. Valerie has been a wonderful ambassador of Jesus and has impacted countless lives with her joyful spirit.

Valerie is survived by her loving husband, Steve Lambert; her devoted parents, Ray and Recenah Lucius of Eupora; brother, Nelson Lucius and wife Victoria of Southlake, Texas; nephew, Chandler Lucius and wife Brittany Ulrey; niece, Olivia Lucius and fiancé Jeff Kern; mother-in-law, Joann Lambert of Georgetown, Texas; sister-in-law, Sheryl and husband Andy Haas of Georgetown; nephews, Drew and Jordan Haas; and numerous loving family members and friends.

A Memorial Service of Celebration will be 11a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Royal Lane Baptist Church, 6707 Royal Lane, Dallas.

Expressions of joy in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Valerie Lambert Memorial Foundation for Children of Africa, attention: Jackie Houle, or https://tinyurl.com/ValerieLambertMemorialFund.