Valerie Anne Gray, resident of Riviera Beach, Maryland, died suddenly on May 2, 2015 at her home. She grew up in Riviera Beach and graduated from Northeast High School in 1995. She attended Anne Arundel Community College and graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, with a degree in teaching in 2001.

She taught Social Studies at the middle school level in Dorchester and Baltimore Counties in Maryland. She later relocated to Roanoke, Virginia where she taught for one year in the Roanoke City school system. She returned to Maryland in 2013 and finally settled in Riviera Beach.

Anyone who knew Valerie knew of her abiding love of animals and, in particular, for her two boxers, Harley and Oliver. They were her constant companions and a source of endless entertainment and comfort to her.

Ms. Gray is survived by her mother, Linda Gray of Pasadena, a sister, Kimberly Churchill of Matthews, North Carolina, an aunt, Ann Marie DeBiase of Catonsville, and her fiance, Eric Strauss of Riviera Beach.

Her memorial gathering will take place on Thursday from 4 until 5 PM at the funeral home, with the memorial service to start immediately following at 5PM. Those who wish may contribute to Boxer Rescue organizations, which can be accessed via www.marylandboxerclub.com - click on rescue; there are two organizations that you can donate to. Feel free to leave your condolences here as well.