Valentine, Glenn Wilbert
Glenn Wilbert Valentine, born in Bracey, Virginia, to Robert Allen Valentine Sr. (Nov. 14, 1911–Jan. 8, 1999) and Lorraine Mayo Valentine (Jan. 8, 1919–Oct. 12, 2016), moved to heaven on Thursday, October 3, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus; his parents; brothers George, Tommy, and Bobby; several friends; his sons Robert Edward, Mechija Glenn, and daughter Rachel Elaine.
He is survived by his wife, Bridgett Valentine, of 43 years as of November 21, 2024; daughters Maichal, Meschel, and Moriah; siblings Wayne Valentine (Denise), Brenda Valentine, Cynthia Jones (Joe), Winona Green (Priest, d.), Brenda Burford (Robert Sr.), mother-in-law Jeanette Burford (C.E., “Papa,” d.), and multiple nieces and nephews.
Glenn was the 6th attendee to his newly desegregated school in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. He graduated at the top of his class and was very active in the school’s band, serving as class treasurer. He came to Virginia Tech in 1975 and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration in 1977. Glenn was immediately hired as Assistant Director of Admissions as one of the first Black undergraduate hires. Over the years, he held many positions, making the Southwest Virginia area a “safe space” for students of color.
Glenn loved his church, Christian Growth Center, and served Pastor Rob and Tricia Sowell alongside his wife in the Music Ministry and with the music group Restoration. He stepped down in 2017 because of health reasons. He played the saxophone and ran the sound department for many years, and helped to provide worship for many International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM) annual conventions.
There are not enough words to describe how wonderful this man was and how much he means to so many. We will forever hold him in our hearts until we can hold him in our arms again.
Glenn’s life celebration will be at Christian Growth Center on Sunday, October 13, from 2-4 p.m., but the doors will open at 1 p.m. The address is 1850 Electric Way NE, Christiansburg, Virginia. The service will also be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page for those who are unable to attend in person.
“Precious [and of great consequence] in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones [so He watches over them]. O Lord, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your handmaid; You have unfastened my chains. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
“And will call on the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 116:15–17)
“For I know the plans I have for you’,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Glenn Valentine’s honor at this link.
