Valerie Katherine (Shelton) Kodell, a resident of Allen, Texas, passed away August 27, 2026, at the age of 78. She was born on May 24, 1948, to her loving parents, Herbert Raymond Shelton and Mary Stevens (Norton) Shelton in Sugar Land, Texas.
Valerie had a happy childhood growing up in Sugar Land, Texas. While a student at Dulles High School, she was a member of the Homecoming Court, Pep Squad Co-Captain, Debate Team, Cheerleader, and voted “Most Unforgettable”. She attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelors of Science in Education. As a teacher she taught 2nd grade, 3rd grade, elementary remedial math, and was the first PK4 teacher in the Little Rock School District. She also was an active member and elder at Grace Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. She loved all things Texas – yellow roses, bluebonnets, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Dr. Pepper, line dancing, sweet tea, Brisket, Tex-Mex, and the Texas A&M Aggies. She was fun-filled and action-packed . . . she was one of a kind and truly unforgettable.
Valerie and the love of her life, Ralph Lawrence Kodell, were married on August 7, 1971, at First Presbyterian Church in Sugar Land, Texas. Their marriage was blessed with many years of love, family, and cherished memories.
Valerie is lovingly remembered by her beloved husband of fifty-five years, Ralph Kodell of Allen, Texas; daughters, Angela Coulter and husband, James of Plano, Texas, and Laura Birmingham and husband, Aaron of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandchildren, Ian Coulter, Angus Coulter, Roman Birmingham, Robyn Birmingham, and Reagan Birmingham; sister, Nancy Pruitt of Sugar Land, Texas; brother, Lee Shelton and wife, Barbara also of Sugar Land, Texas; sister-in-law, Rose Shelton of El Campo, Texas; along with extended family members and dear friends who will miss her dearly and continue to cherish the memories they shared with her.
Valerie was preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Mary Shelton, and brother, Steve Shelton.
Valerie’s Service of the Word will be held on September 12, 2026, at 10:30AM at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Subiaco, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to her childhood church - First Presbyterian Church, 502 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.