TOM, Valerie Jean

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona, Wednesday, June 25, 2014 Valerie Jean Tom, age 54, of San Carlos, Ariz. passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at Promise Healthcare Hospital in Mesa, Ariz. She was born in Globe, Ariz. on Dec. 20, 1959, the daughter of Dennis and Lena (Martin) Nelson, Jr. Valerie attended Globe High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Globe Marching Band and Concert Band. She worked at the San Carlos Apache Tribe as Director of the Youth Home and Family Services, and also as manager of Headstart. She also worked with Social Service Department with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Tribe and was a personal care attendant with Soaring Eagles. Valerie was a graduate of ASU with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Valerie is survived by her two children, Ransom J. Tom (Beth) and Ashleigh M. Tom; her parents, Dennis and Lena Nelson, Jr.; her siblings, Vonda N. Cota (David), Veda M. Cota (Adolph), Michael J. Nelson (Kamaleen), Vina J. Nelson, Jonathan “Jon” R. Nelson, Sr. (Donna), and Vickie L. Hunter; and two grandchildren. Visitation was held on Friday, June 20, 2014 at 6 a.m. at Assembly of God Church in San Carlos, Ariz. Funeral services followed at 8 a.m. at the church. Interment at San Carlos Cemetery. Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.