Valarie Kay Harrod

Valarie K. Harrod was born May 9, 1955 in Chicago Illinois to the union of Gilbert P. Harrod Sr. and Sarah E. Spencer She was the youngest of four children, Gilbert Jr., Devyanne and Gayle.

Valarie started kindergarten at James E. McDade Classical School ( K through 6th) . Valarie excelled academically and was recognized as a gifted student. Her love for reading began at the age of 4. Valarie graduated in 1968 from Gillespie Elementary school with the highest academic honors and entered John Marshall Harlan High School with Advanced Placement Classes. She graduated from Harlan as a member of the National Honors Society for all four years and was awarded a scholarship to attend Loyola university in 1972.

Valarie attended Christ Universal Temple as a younger girl and was a dedicated member of the choir for many years. She also was a valued member of Meta Four Gospel Group. The Meta Four group traveled all throughout Europe and preformed gospel to sold out audiences.

Valarie married her childhood sweetheart Robert Coates July 23,1973 and to this union their son Erik Julian Coates was born, and he was a delight to both Valarie and Bobby. Valarie was a valued employee and supervisor at CNA Insurance Company for more than 25 years. She later worked for combined insurance and Blue Cross Blue Shield where she retired 2017.

Valarie became a grandmother to Nya Coates in 1998 and Ashlynn Coates in 2005 she was over the moon. She was delighted when twin great grandsons Nayvadius and Nasir were born in 2019 and was very active in their lives

Valarie lived boldly, loved fiercely and stood firmly in her truth. Her wisdom and love will always remain in our hearts as she would say “ God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And The wisdom to know the difference.