Mrs. Valerie Diane Johnson Brooks, 66, of Morganton, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at UNC-BR, following a period of declining health.

Valerie was born on July 19, 1960, in Bluefield, WV, to Patricia Pickett Byerly and the late Larry Johnson. She retired from Options of Burke County as a development director.

Surviving in addition to her mother, are her two daughters, Emy Browning of Kinston, NC, and Hannah Browning Yount and husband Regal of Granite Falls. Also surviving are four grandchildren; Destiny Browning, Julia Stewart and husband Carson, Carlie Yount and Colton Yount, one great-grandchild, Kennedi Hemphill, and one brother, Wayne Johnson.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 2:00 P.M in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, with Rev. Kyle Lloyd officiating.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.

Memorials may be sent to Options of Burke County, PO Box 2512, Morganton, NC 28680.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the Brooks family.