Evelyn Suzanne (Suzi) Valentine of Waterford (formerly of Royal Oak, Oxford, and a resident of Clarkston for 54 years) was promoted to Glory on August 27, 2026 at age 82.

Suzi was born May 17, 1944, to Edward and Joyce (Phillips) Gibbard and later adopted by Al Valentine. Preceded in death by her parents Edward Gibbard, Al and Joyce Valentine, and brother Frank Gibbard.

Survived by her dear cousin and faithful helper, George Gardiner; and many cousins in the U.S. and England, as well as sisters Janice, Sandy (Terry) Pop; Jannette Holmes; Judy (David) Skubick; Jo Ann (Dale) Lee, Annette (Dave) Salzarulo; and brothers Ed (Mitzi) Gibbard, Robert Gibbard, Pat (Marci) Gibbard; Rex (Freida) Gibbard; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She traveled to 7 countries but greatly regretted never seeing Israel—she will when Christ returns!

Sue's first job was as a photo retoucher for Sayles Studio in Drayton Plains; going on to become a Certified Dental Assistant and later graduating from OCC as an LPN and worked at POH and in later years owned and operated Beneficial Home Care.

A little-known story is she met the 7 original astronauts while walking down a main street in Washington, D.C. on their way to a TV interview; but the BEST meeting of all was when Sue gave her heart to Jesus and asked Him to be Lord of her life at 15 in a Detroit Fair Grounds tent mtg. under the late great TV Evangelist, Oral Roberts, July 9, 1959.

Joining The Salvation Army under the then Capt. and Mrs. Wm. Heaver. With the infilling of the Holy Spirit, she began to grow as a Christian and in service—teaching SS at age 16, and lower Corps Cadets; a League of Mercy worker; Open Air Sgt. and Chaplain at the then Camp Oakland in Oxford at the maximum security house for boys at age 18. Sue opened and pastored an SA Outpost (mission) at age 23 for 7 years; leading all meetings; plus DVBS; the Bus Ministry; visitation; gospel magic and custodian as well as a community children's mtg. after school and teen activities and SS. Her mother led the Women's Home League, SS, dinners, and children's church – they were always a team for His glory. She also lead a neighborhood bible study and prayer mtg. for 7 years in her parents home. Sue was a former chairman of the Flint area Antique and Collectable Toy Club and Pontiac Christian Women's Club (of 200 ladies) at the former Silverdome. Suzi was the vice president and in charge of publicity of the Davisburg National Farm and Garden Club a member of Farm Bureau. Feeling a oneness with her English heritage she and her mother jointed the Daughters of the British Empire. She was an accomplished artist, painting a series of Clarkston scenes (history on canvas) and an amateur architect who also enjoyed: reading, knitting, photography, gardening, old cars, decent movies, the theater, DIA, but she was never happier then when she was sharing Jesus with others and she was privileged to pray with many to receive Christ into their heart. She also loved to entertain and help people. Taught by her mother's many examples; to give and do for others as unto Jesus (never looking or expecting anything in return) gave her great joy.

In later life she had dual membership at the Royal Oak Salvation Army Citadel and at Clarkston's Oakland Woods church.

A graveside service will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Lakeview Cemetery in Clarkston with a "see you later!" luncheon to follow. Donations to the Waterford Senior Center on Pontiac Lake Road.

Though life was hard at the end she would be the first to say: "My God held my hand and was faithful each step of the way". Do you know Him? Have you given your heart and life to His wonderful son, Jesus? It's time.