Valeria Lynn Thibodeaux

1956 ∼ 2021

Valeria Lynn Thibodeaux, 65, of Port Neches passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Valeria was born May 3, 1956 in Port Arthur, Texas, to David and Shirley Griffith. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Valeria loved and cared for her friends and family dearly. She had a passion for serving others, especially children. Valeria always opened her home to nieces, nephews, friends, and many foster children throughout the years. She approached life with great joy and enthusiasm. She enjoyed traveling, knitting, and gardening. Valeria was an avid sports fan and had a love for music. She was a dedicated alumnus of Port Neches – Groves High School and proud former Indianette.

Those left behind to cherish Valeria’s memory are her son, Corey Thibodeaux and his wife, Molly; boyfriend, Robert Porter; parents, David and Shirley Griffith; sister, Cathy Shelander and her husband, Mel; brother, Carl Griffith and his wife, Paula; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, July 25, 2021, at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 26, 2021, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Port Neches.

Memorial Video

Condolences

Vicki David July 28, 2021
Blessings to Shirley and David and family. May the Lord keep you and comfort your hearts. My sincere condolences to you all.:innocent::two_hearts::pray::raised_hands::raised_hands:
Anonymous July 25, 2021
A sympathy card was purchased for the family of Valeria Lynn Thibodeaux.
Monique Hopkins July 25, 2021
Even though You will be missed greatly I'm so happy for you to be with God and his Angels. When I think of you I will always remember your smile that lights up every room you walk into. I remember many conversations between us at the law firms when I was stressed. I thank you for your encouragement. I thank you for sharing your football tickets when you rarely weren't able to attend. The cousins gatherings that we all enjoyed. Your personality and laughter were infectious. Always in my heart:heavy_heart_exclamation_mark_ornament:️ Praying for God to ease the pain of your loss for all of your family.
Mickey Phelan July 25, 2021
Dear Thibodeaux, Griffith & Shelander Families I’m so sorry for the loss of our beloved Valeria. Valeria did everything to the fullest including her fight. I’m so sorry I won’t be able to join you for Valeria’s Celebration of her remarkable life. It goes without saying that everything she did to help Mel keep our Phi Delta Theta brothers together earned Valeria the All Time Greatest Sweetheart Honor. May God Bless each of you. Mickey
Cathy Shelander July 25, 2021
My prayers for you my sweet sister is that you knew how much every loved you! I wish i would have told you more how much I love you. The pain of missing you hurts so much. My prayers for mom and Dad, Corey and Robert! Valeria you were everything to everyone! Knowing how special she was to all of you rings comfort!
Melancon'S Funeral Home July 24, 2021
Melancon's Funeral Home created a Tribute Video in memory of Valeria Lynn Thibodeaux
Gary Martin July 24, 2021
I didn’t know Valeria until email age. She spent lots of time keeping PNG classmates connected. She was always kind with her comments and truly interested in relationships. Her strength and courage while dealing with her illnesses are inspirational. Her faith was apparent and she shared it willingly with all. Fly high and fast Valeria! Your rewards await you! Condolences to all of her family and friends. May good memories prevail to bring peace and healing.
Dana Massey Ravitsky July 24, 2021
I hadn’t seen or heard from many of my childhood friends, until about 5 years ago when my Mom started declining in health. I was able to visit more often, and having dinner with friends one evening included Valeria! She was like a fresh breath of air, smiling and full of her positive energy. I’m so grateful for that evening, as well as having her share her story on FB. She was loved and admired by so many, her courage and faith were unstoppable! She’s resting in peace for eternity now, and my heartfelt prayers are with her family and loved ones through these difficult days and weeks ahead:pensive:. Just know she will be missed, and you are loved. Dana Massey Ravitsky
Pam Shelander July 23, 2021
Valeria was an amazing person. She was full of life and full of joy! From the moment I first met her over 40 years ago, I knew I would always enjoy her company. As I said a few months ago, she is my sister-in-law’s sister, but I feel like she is also my sister-in-law. Neither Scott nor our kids could walk into Mel’s office without at least sticking our head into Valeria’s office to get a dose of her laughter. Prayers for the nieces and nephews that she and I shared. Valeria was such an important part of their lives. Prayers for Cathy and Mel, Carl and his family, and endless prayers for her parents as well as for Robert. Everyone who knew Valeria will miss her.
Danny Woodall July 23, 2021
Valeria was someone who stood out because of her kindness. She loved life and lifted up everyone around her. I met her in the seventh grade and you never minded if she was in your class. After we graduated, she still played a major role in organizing dinners for the classmates. My wife, a South Park graduate, was surprise at our class, how close we were even after graduating. Valeria was the reason. She was always ready with a smile or encouraging word. Forever Purple - Danny Woodall
Tom Sheppard July 23, 2021
From the first day almost 60 years ago when I walked to her house to watch TV. She has always been my dearest friend. Her kindness, compassion, and daily great attitude are things we all sometimes took for granted. Valeria gave of herself every day to those around her. Because of Valeria the world we live in is a better place .
Kara Thibodeaux July 23, 2021
I was so sad to hear about Valeria. She was the sweetest person and always had a beautiful smile on her face. I am so sorry Corey and Molly for your loss and we will have you in our thoughts and prayers. Me and the kids love you all very much. God Bless, Kara, Kayla & Jacob
Linda Yawn July 23, 2021
So sorry to hear this. Valeria was such a wonderful, fun and loving person. Even during her illness, she was extending her help to me during Covid. Although, she was no longer married to our cousin Jerry, our family considered her a big part of our family. We will miss you Valeria. My thoughts and prayers go out to Corey and her family.
Megan Ames July 23, 2021
My sweet Aunt Lira. Celebrating your life will be easy, but missing you will be so hard. I’m comforted knowing our Father has wrapped you up and you are not feeling any of the sadness we are here. We will talk about you often and stay warm with your beautiful knitted blankets. Love you, Megan.
Rose Gallier Powell July 23, 2021
So sorry for your loss, Ms. Shirley, Mr. David, Corey, Cathy and Carl...... Praying for your sweet family.... God bless you
Liz Lovoi Welch July 23, 2021
I only met Valeria once, but her kindness and loving spirit made a lasting impression on me. I know she wii be missed beyond measure and my heartfelt prayers are with you all now and in the future.
Randy Leblanc July 23, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you Shirley, David, Corey, Cathy and Carl. Valeria was a warm and sweet person. I have many memories from working with her at L&A Grocery. She was always smiling and very welcoming to the customers. She will be missed dearly. Randy LeBlanc
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Services & Events

event Visitation

location_on Melancon's Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, 77627
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schedule Sunday, July 25, 2021 at 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

event Prayer Service

location_on Melancon's Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, 77627
directions Get Directions
schedule Sunday, July 25, 2021 at 7:00 PM