Valerie Wright Batchelor, 69, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2026, after a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease. She was a graduate of John Overton High School in Nashville, Tennessee, and went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) before earning her graduate degree in audiology from Memphis State University, now the University of Memphis. Through her work as an audiologist, she touched the lives of many people in underserved communities.

Valerie shared nearly 40 years of marriage with her husband, Jack Batchelor. Their 40th wedding anniversary would have been celebrated on October 11. Together, they built a life of faith, love, and devotion to one another.

Valerie was an accomplished flutist who shared her gift of music generously throughout her life. She was deeply devoted to her church orchestra and took great joy in teaching and encouraging numerous students.

Valerie loved sewing and hand embroidery. She found special joy in making things for the people she loved. She and her mother, Nancy, sewed dresses for Valerie’s three daughters, creating treasured memories that will live on in her family. She also enjoyed sewing for friends and family members throughout the years.

Above all, Valerie had a heart for children. She was generous with her time, patient and caring, and always willing to give of herself to make a child feel loved and valued. Her kindness and generosity touched many lives and will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Valerie had an unwavering faith in Christ. She came to know the Lord and dedicated her life to serving Him here on earth. It was her heartfelt desire that those who did not know Christ would one day come to know Him and experience the hope she found in Him. The family also has hope in Christ that they will see Valerie again and that she has been made new in Heaven.

Valerie is survived by her husband, Jack Batchelor; her daughters, Katherine Ward of Memphis, Tennessee; Anna Joy and Ivan Tamayo of Tampa, Florida; and Lynae and Cody Prater of Jonesboro, Arkansas; her brother, Don and Ellen Wright of Birmingham, Alabama; her sister, Sandy and Jeff Davis of Cullowhee, North Carolina; and her mother, Nancy Wright of Franklin, Tennessee.

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Aaliyah Byrd, Layla Byrd, Kylie Ward, Julian Tamayo, Valentina Tamayo, and Daniella Jean Prater, who was born just one week before Valerie’s passing.

Valerie was preceded in death by her father, Robert Wright, and her niece, Annelise Davis.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 1 at 11am at Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett, Tennessee. The burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Valerie requested people wear bright colors, pastels, or florals to her funeral as opposed to dark colors.

Visitation will precede the service beginning at 9am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests lasting memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at Alzheimer's Association in support of continued research.