It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Valeri Ann (Mock) Garland, of Watervliet, a beloved daughter, mother, and grandmother, who peacefully passed away on March 15, 2023, at the age of 60.
Valeri was born Valeri Ann Mock on May 3, 1962, the daughter of Kenneth and Maxine Mock. She grew up in St. Joseph, Michigan, graduating from Saint Joseph High School in 1980. She would later attain her bachelor’s degree from Sienna Heights University. After buying a home in Watervliet, Valeri began her career at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, where she would eventually retire after years of working as a case officer assisting many people in Van Buren County.
Her greatest joy came from being a loving mother and grandmother. She raised her two children, Jessica and Kyle, ensuring they made it to every sports, band, choir, and any other event throughout their childhood. As a member of Watervliet Free Methodist Church, she and her children were active in the youth ministry as they were growing up. She would go on to be very involved in the lives of her grandchildren, Adelyn and Preston, attending all of their recitals, sporting events, and taking care of them after school. On the weekend before she passed, she had the joy of watching Adelyn perform in Watervliet High School’s Annie Jr. production and watching both Adelyn’s and Preston’s final season basketball games at the St. Joseph YMCA. She was always there for her family and was known for her kind heart and uncanny ability to light up the room with laughter.
Valeri was predeceased by her father, Kenneth Mock (2011).
She is survived by her mother, Maxine Mock, her sister Cheryl Thomas, her children, Kyle Garland and Jessica Tyler, her son-in-law James Tyler, and her grandchildren, Adelyn and Preston Tyler.
A funeral service was held at Watervliet Free Methodist Church on Monday, March 20. Donations in Valeri’s honor can be sent to World Central Kitchen, Attn: Donor Services Team, 200 Mass Ave. NW, 7th Floor, Washington DC, 20001.
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