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Ticia M. Valentine
Right next to the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a girl was born to Bill and Gail Valentine and named Ticia Margretta. Her grandmother then asked as only she could, “What are you gonna call the poor little thing?” Thus began the soon to be quirky, offbeat, artistic life of Ticia Margretta Valentine.
Bill and Gail instilled in Ticia and her sister Vicki, a love for the outdoors. Avid hikers and nature lovers with a local knowledge of the park, they spent a great deal of time at Greenbrier, along the Little Pigeon River, a then relatively quiet part of the park, hiking, picnicking and enjoying nature.
Ticia attended Gatlinburg – Pittman HS, and then went on to the University of Tennessee, earning a degree in art education. Wanting to spread her wings, she applied for positions in the Virgin Islands, a Blackfoot reservation in Montana, and from vacationing with her family in the 1970s and 1980s on the Outer Banks. Ticia decided to apply to Dare County and she got the job.
She went on to teach art at First Flight Elementary and then later at Kitty Hawk Elementary, earning teacher of the year at both schools and then Dare County teacher of the year at Kitty Hawk. Local artist Glenn Eure, in 2000, selected Ticia as part of the Rotary Club’s cultural exchange program which included six weeks of travel to Mindanao in the Philippines to spread her message of creativity.
In 2006, Ticia spent four weeks at Yogaville in Virginia receiving her teachers certificate in Integral Yoga and taught yoga at various studios on the beach over the years. Along with teaching, she loved creating with clay and other media, and her works could be found at the KDH Co-op and also the Dare County Arts Council Gallery.
Ticia’s radiant smile and infectious laugh will be missed by many, but her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched through teaching. A good friend, Nic, years ago sang to the Pink Floyd song, “hey, Ticia, leave them kids alone”. If you know the song, you know. Fortunately, she couldn’t do that.
Ticia is survived by her husband Marshall, three cats, Axle, Clyde, and Cleo, her mother Gail, her sister, Vicki and her husband Ken Scott and Aunt Linda and Uncle Larry Valentine and other relatives. A celebration of life is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made locally to Feline Hope or your local SPCA. Please leave a message of comfort for the family at gallopuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences
Prayers for comfort and peace. I rember Tricia always having a smile and kind word.
Marshall and family, My heart aches with you at the loss of this beautiful woman. We all will cherish her memory and be a better person because she touched our lives and those of our children. Linda Foster
Marshall, I'm so very sorry! My heart is broken as I know so is yours 💔 Ticia was such a beautiful soul and leaves this realm a much better place for having stayed awhile. I was blessed to call her my friend.
Tricia is remembered as a delightful teacher. She welcomed both students and colleagues with such warmth and authentic kindness. Prayers for you as you navigate this season.
My heart is absolutely broken hearing this news. She is the reason I found my passion in art and was such an inspiration to so many young people. I will never forget her and her beautiful soul. She touched so many lives. My deepest condolances to her family.
Marshall I am so very sorry to learn you have lost Tisha. I loved her. I remember when you two got married, such joy! She was so generous, creative and fun. Sending you healing love, Feather
Tisha was a very loved colleague that brought so much beauty and inspiration to those of us that were lucky enough to know her. Sending peace and love to her family and friends.
Ticia was my art teacher in elementary school. While I don’t remember all of my teachers, she is someone who made such a lasting impact on us all, as we always looked forward to being around her. I know many of my friends who she both identified and inspired when she recognized their creative abilities. I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences go out to everyone who was close to and knew her.
Ticia was the art teacher at FFES for rwo of my daughters. Once I started working there, Ticia became a wonderful friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 🙏🙏🙏
The world is more beautiful because of Ticia's art. She will be missed. Joe and I are sending prayers to the family.
Marshall, Ticia was and always will be a beacon of light and life in this world. The always hysterical moments we shared will live with me forever. I love you both. Ticia will get it when I say that I hope Her Angel wings are "HUGE"!! ❤️🕯️🐾
To say this news has shocked me is an understatement. Miss Valentine was the most beautiful soul I’ve ever met. She was my favorite class my whole life and had conversations about the world and life with me at 7 years old I still think about. She helped me even many years after being in her class when I was going through some very hard life events that only art could get me through. I am so sad to hear of her passing and my thoughts, love and prayers go to her family. Grateful for having her light shine through me from a child well into my adult years. She has made such a wonderful impact on this world and everyone that has ever crossed paths with her. May she be in peace and continue to sparkle her magic from beyond.
To the family I am so sorry to hear this news my prayers are with you and may God give you strength
Ticia was a joy and burst of sunshine wherever she went. She had a love for everyone that could be tangibly felt. She has certainly left a positive mark on the world that she was part of. Marshall, my prayers are with you all.
Marshall, Ticia was a shining light in this world. She was positive in her words and lived her life with the same positive attitude. It is a gift for her loving spirit to live on in the people she touched. May you find solace in knowing your steadfast love allowed her more time on this earth and further inward reflection only she may have known. Love to all, and prayers for comfort and peace.
So sorry she was great so sad luv u marshall
I was very sorry to hear of the loss of Ticia . Marshall , you are in my thoughts and prayers . You have my deepest sympathy.
Mrs. Valentine was my favorite art teacher out of all the ones I’ve had. Her kindness and positive attitude towards all of her students made her someone we’d look forward to seeing everyday. My sincerest condolences go out to her family and friends for their loss.
Dear Marshall and Gail, My heart grieves Ticia’s passing so soon and the sadness in your lives as you move forward without her. I too taught art in a Dare County school for many years. During that time I and many other art teaches shared a comrade especially at times of installing art shows of our student’d work. Ticia was always infectious with her bubbly personality and passion for her life’s work. I will always remember her for her smile and appreciation for the simple joys in life. May God’s Holy Spirit bring you both comfort at this time and in the days ahead. Ticia is a beautiful soul who lived her earthly life to the fullest with those she loved the most, you two. Marta martinez
Dear Marshall, we are very sad to learn of this terrible loss for you. We understand you were totally devoted and cared for Ticia yourself never leaving the yard or the house or her side. There is a Galaxy up there for you. It was great to have known her. She was super talented and always a lot of fun with that big smile. Our deepest condolences to you and family. Fondly, Chuck and Susan
Dear Marshall and Gail, My heart grieves Ticia’s passing so soon and the sadness in your lives as you move forward without her. I too taught art in a Dare County school for many years. During that time I and many other art teaches shared a comrade especially at times of installing art shows of our student’d work. Ticia was always infectious with her bubbly personality and passion for her life’s work. I will always remember her for her smile and appreciation for the simple joys in life. May God’s Holy Spirit bring you both comfort at this time and in the days ahead. Ticia is a beautiful soul who lived her
Sending much love and caring thoughts to Marshall and Ticia’s family. Ticia was a beautiful and talented person. She will be missed.
Marshall there are no words... I am so very sorry for your and our loss. She was the best of us.
Ticia was a wonderful yoga teacher and much loved person! So sorry to hear of her passing!
Marshall, I am so sorry to read of your beloved's passing. I am certainly thinking of you.
We are heartbroken for you. Yet, we know that you did everything you could to give her dignity in her transition. She has always been an angel. We love you and pray for your comfort.
So sorry and shocked to hear the news. I went to elementary and high school with Ticia. She was such a sweet person with an awesome smile. Love you Fuzzy!
Not present on this earth she's present with the Lord. She was a sweet and caring teacher. She taught 4 of my children and also worked with her at FF Scool. She will be missed
Tricia was one of my first yoga teachers. She shared her wonderful light with everyone she met and demonstrated how to have a life well lived.
This is the perfect obituary for Ticia. She was quirky, fun, artistic and so full of joy. I can still hear her laugh in my head, and I hope someone has it recorded somewhere. We could all only hope to live a life like Ticia did -- on her own terms, with joy, and making a huge impact!
Wishing peace and strength to all who she blessed. Love you Marshall!
Oh my, what a loss! She taught both of mine and we ALL loved her! Condolences to her family!
My sincerest condolences! Tricia was a beautiful soul❤️
Marshall, I’m a college and friend/roommate of Vic during challenging years away from our norm!!! I met your sweet wife after a return home for the weekend to meet family. Ticia was an immediate known for me that she loved life and creativity! Her smile lit the room!!! She and Vic were such happy people !! I have a picture that I will share soon!…it was Just that one weekend!! What a memory this many years ago!!! Prayers that God comforts you in your sadness but alsomemories and those precious items she created hands on! 🙏 Rhonda Marlin.
Love the way you told this little story about our Ticia, as only you could Marshall. This photo, and that bright, sparkle in her eyes really captures that special quality that belong solely to her. There will never be another Ms.Valentine … i was blessed to share a beautiful, true, soulful friendship with this human. Aloha, my sweet girl🌺
What can I say about the loss of this bright spirit? Ticia was a delight to be around, and though we had not seen each other often after she moved to her beloved Outer Banks, she always had and will have a special place in our family memories. Go rest high, sweet girl!
Sending all my love & comfort to Marshall, Gail, & Vicki for this heartbreaking loss. The world became a little less bright when sweet Ticia left us. Rest in peace, my dear childhood friend!
I remember her winning smile, positive energy and bright shining eyes. Sincerest condolences to all friends and family. I lost my aunt, who was also my godmother, in a similar way a few years ago.
My heart breaks to hear this news but I will always blessed to have known Ticia ( AKA-Tisha by E. Walterhouse,) we are many many lunches together at FFES and began our DCS teaching career together. I loved her in every way! Always a smile and kind word for others. Much love to all!
Dear Marshall. So incredibly sorry to hear about Ticia. What a friendly, crafty, artistic, kind and fun person she was. I think back to the time in Mexico when I met you and then travelled to KDH for a summer so many years ago where I met your beautiful Ticia. She was so very welcoming to a girl from Oz so far from home, trying to experience life. Dearest Dep, sending love and hugs from across the miles to you and Ticia’s family with Love
Your love and dedication to Ticia was so beautifully displayed as you accompanied her through her journey. Prayers for peace continue.
Marshall so sorry for your loss. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. Jay, Pam and Jordan
Ticia was such a kind, beautiful soul and, as we mourn her loss, we know that her beautiful energy is still all around us 🕊️
Ticia was a bright spark in our lives and she touched many Outer Bankers, young and old with her enthusiasm for everything around us. I am fortunate to have been part of her world at FFES in her beginning role of Teacher. My sympathies to all who will miss her smile.
This makes me so very sad. Sending love and condolences to Ticia's family. I had the privilege of working with her when I was a school nurse at First Flight Elementary School.
Sending mu love and prayers to Ticias husband,Mom,Vicki and the rest of her family. I grew up in Galinburg and was closer her sisters age but knew her and her beautiful smile and how much she loved to laugh. I am sure she was an awesome art teacher. May God. Bless her family during thos diddicult time
Always smiling, hearty laugh, full of kindness and joy for life….that is how I will remember Ticia. I feel lucky to have known her.
I absolutely adored Ticia, with her joy for life and her students. She extended that joy to all of us as colleagues, and throughout our community. She worked to instill her creative spirit in all she did and all those she interacted with in life. I loved her smile and her laugh every day we interacted! My students loved her classes! She gave of her talents and joy into many events in our community. It was a privilege to know Ticia! My prayers are with Marshall, and all her family, as we remember her as a shining star in all our lives.
Gail, Vicki, and Marshall, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I have so many great memories of sleepovers with Ticia. She was always so sweet and so happy. Sending love and prayers to you all.
I'm shocked and saddened. The world is less without her. My sincere condolences to the family.
Deepest sympathy, she was a kind and very sweet person.
My most heartfelt condolences to everyone who feel this loss. Ticia was special and she was my dear friend. To Marshall and Gail, I'm here for you if you ever need me.
A bright light that will be missed my many. I loved the time I worked with her at Kitty Hawk Elementary and First Flight Elementary. My heart and prayers go out to Marshall and all of Tisha's family. God bless.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Condolences Marshall, We are so sorry to hear of Ticia’s passing. If we can do anything please let us know. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ticia’s love touched all who knew her. We are truly sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the thousands of folks whose life she brightened and in your shared memories.
Prayers for comfort and peace. I rember Tricia always having a smile and kind word.
Marshall and family,
My heart aches with you at the loss of this beautiful woman. We all will cherish her memory and be a better person because she touched our lives and those of our children. Linda Foster
Marshall, I’m so very sorry! My heart is broken as I know so is yours 💔
Ticia was such a beautiful soul and leaves this realm a much better place for having stayed awhile. I was blessed to call her my friend.
Tricia is remembered as a delightful teacher. She welcomed both students and colleagues with such warmth and authentic kindness. Prayers for you as you navigate this season.
My heart is absolutely broken hearing this news. She is the reason I found my passion in art and was such an inspiration to so many young people. I will never forget her and her beautiful soul. She touched so many lives. My deepest condolances to her family.
Marshall I am so very sorry to learn you have lost Tisha. I loved her. I remember when you two got married, such joy! She was so generous, creative and fun.
Sending you healing love, Feather
Tisha was a very loved colleague that brought so much beauty and inspiration to those of us that were lucky enough to know her. Sending peace and love to her family and friends.
Ticia was my art teacher in elementary school. While I don’t remember all of my teachers, she is someone who made such a lasting impact on us all, as we always looked forward to being around her. I know many of my friends who she both identified and inspired when she recognized their creative abilities. I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences go out to everyone who was close to and knew her.
Ticia was the art teacher at FFES for rwo of my daughters. Once I started working there, Ticia became a wonderful friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 🙏🙏🙏
The world is more beautiful because of Ticia’s art. She will be missed. Joe and I are sending prayers to the family.
Marshall, Ticia was and always will be a beacon of light and life in this world. The always hysterical moments we shared will live with me forever. I love you both. Ticia will get it when I say that I hope Her Angel wings are “HUGE”!! ❤️🕯️🐾
To say this news has shocked me is an understatement. Miss Valentine was the most beautiful soul I’ve ever met. She was my favorite class my whole life and had conversations about the world and life with me at 7 years old I still think about. She helped me even many years after being in her class when I was going through some very hard life events that only art could get me through. I am so sad to hear of her passing and my thoughts, love and prayers go to her family. Grateful for having her light shine through me from a child well into my adult years. She has made such a wonderful impact on this world and everyone that has ever crossed paths with her. May she be in peace and continue to sparkle her magic from beyond.
To the family
I am so sorry to hear this news my prayers are with you and may God give you strength
Ticia was a joy and burst of sunshine wherever she went. She had a love for everyone that could be tangibly felt. She has certainly left a positive mark on the world that she was part of. Marshall, my prayers are with you all.
Marshall,
Ticia was a shining light in this world. She was positive in her words and lived her life with the same positive attitude. It is a gift for her loving spirit to live on in the people she touched. May you find solace in knowing your steadfast love allowed her more time on this earth and further inward reflection only she may have known. Love to all, and prayers for comfort and peace.
So sorry she was great so sad luv u marshall
I was very sorry to hear of the loss of Ticia . Marshall , you are in my thoughts and prayers . You have my deepest sympathy.
Mrs. Valentine was my favorite art teacher out of all the ones I’ve had. Her kindness and positive attitude towards all of her students made her someone we’d look forward to seeing everyday. My sincerest condolences go out to her family and friends for their loss.
Dear Marshall and Gail,
My heart grieves Ticia’s passing so soon and the sadness in your lives as you move forward without her.
I too taught art in a Dare County school for many years. During that time I and many other art teaches shared a comrade especially at times of installing art shows of our student’d work. Ticia was always infectious with her bubbly personality and passion for her life’s work. I will always remember her for her smile and appreciation for the simple joys in life.
May God’s Holy Spirit bring you both comfort at this time and in the days ahead. Ticia is a beautiful soul who lived her earthly life to the fullest with those she loved the most, you two.
Marta martinez
Dear Marshall, we are very sad to learn of this terrible loss for you. We understand you were totally devoted and cared for Ticia yourself never leaving the yard or the house or her side. There is a Galaxy up there for you. It was great to have known her. She was super talented and always a lot of fun with that big smile. Our deepest condolences to you and family. Fondly, Chuck and Susan
Dear Marshall and Gail,
My heart grieves Ticia’s passing so soon and the sadness in your lives as you move forward without her.
I too taught art in a Dare County school for many years. During that time I and many other art teaches shared a comrade especially at times of installing art shows of our student’d work. Ticia was always infectious with her bubbly personality and passion for her life’s work. I will always remember her for her smile and appreciation for the simple joys in life.
May God’s Holy Spirit bring you both comfort at this time and in the days ahead. Ticia is a beautiful soul who lived her
Sending much love and caring thoughts to Marshall and Ticia’s family. Ticia was a beautiful and talented person. She will be missed.
Marshall there are no words… I am so very sorry for your and our loss. She was the best of us.
Ticia was a wonderful yoga teacher and much loved person! So sorry to hear of her passing!
Marshall, I am so sorry to read of your beloved’s passing. I am certainly thinking of you.
We are heartbroken for you. Yet, we know that you did everything you could to give her dignity in her transition. She has always been an angel. We love you and pray for your comfort.
So sorry and shocked to hear the news. I went to elementary and high school with Ticia. She was such a sweet person with an awesome smile. Love you Fuzzy!
Not present on this earth she’s present with the Lord.
She was a sweet and caring teacher. She taught 4 of my children and also worked with her at FF Scool. She will be missed
Tricia was one of my first yoga teachers. She shared her wonderful light with everyone she met and demonstrated how to have a life well lived.
This is the perfect obituary for Ticia. She was quirky, fun, artistic and so full of joy. I can still hear her laugh in my head, and I hope someone has it recorded somewhere. We could all only hope to live a life like Ticia did — on her own terms, with joy, and making a huge impact!
Wishing peace and strength to all who she blessed. Love you Marshall!
Oh my, what a loss! She taught both of mine and we ALL loved her! Condolences to her family!
My sincerest condolences! Tricia was a beautiful soul❤️
Marshall, I’m a college and friend/roommate of Vic during challenging years away from our norm!!! I met your sweet wife after a return home for the weekend to meet family. Ticia was an immediate known for me that she loved life and creativity! Her smile lit the room!!! She and Vic were such happy people !! I have a picture that I will share soon!…it was Just that one weekend!! What a memory this many years ago!!!
Prayers that God comforts you in your sadness but alsomemories and those precious items she created hands on! 🙏 Rhonda Marlin.
Love the way you told this little story about our Ticia, as only you could Marshall. This photo, and that bright, sparkle in her eyes really captures that special quality that belong solely to her. There will never be another Ms.Valentine … i was blessed to share a beautiful, true, soulful friendship with this human. Aloha, my sweet girl🌺
What can I say about the loss of this bright spirit? Ticia was a delight to be around, and though we had not seen each other often after she moved to her beloved Outer Banks, she always had and will have a special place in our family memories. Go rest high, sweet girl!
Sending all my love & comfort to Marshall, Gail, & Vicki for this heartbreaking loss. The world became a little less bright when sweet Ticia left us. Rest in peace, my dear childhood friend!
I remember her winning smile, positive energy and bright shining eyes. Sincerest condolences to all friends and family. I lost my aunt, who was also my godmother, in a similar way a few years ago.
My heart breaks to hear this news but I will always blessed to have known Ticia ( AKA-Tisha by E. Walterhouse,) we are many many lunches together at FFES and began our DCS teaching career together. I loved her in every way! Always a smile and kind word for others. Much love to all!
Dear Marshall. So incredibly sorry to hear about Ticia. What a friendly, crafty, artistic, kind and fun person she was. I think back to the time in Mexico when I met you and then travelled to KDH for a summer so many years ago where I met your beautiful Ticia. She was so very welcoming to a girl from Oz so far from home, trying to experience life. Dearest Dep, sending love and hugs from across the miles to you and Ticia’s family with Love
Your love and dedication to Ticia was so beautifully displayed as you accompanied her through her journey. Prayers for peace continue.
Marshall so sorry for your loss. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. Jay, Pam and Jordan
Ticia was such a kind, beautiful soul and, as we mourn her loss, we know that her beautiful energy is still all around us 🕊️
Ticia was a bright spark in our lives and she touched many Outer Bankers, young and old with her enthusiasm for everything around us. I am fortunate to have been part of her world at FFES in her beginning role of Teacher. My sympathies to all who will miss her smile.
This makes me so very sad. Sending love and condolences to Ticia’s family. I had the privilege of working with her when I was a school nurse at First Flight Elementary School.
Sending mu love and prayers to Ticias husband,Mom,Vicki and the rest of her family. I grew up in Galinburg and was closer her sisters age but knew her and her beautiful smile and how much she loved to laugh. I am sure she was an awesome art teacher. May God. Bless her family during thos diddicult time
Always smiling, hearty laugh, full of kindness and joy for life….that is how I will remember Ticia. I feel lucky to have known her.
I absolutely adored Ticia, with her joy for life and her students. She extended that joy to all of us as colleagues, and throughout our community. She worked to instill her creative spirit in all she did and all those she interacted with in life. I loved her smile and her laugh every day we interacted! My students loved her classes! She gave of her talents and joy into many events in our community. It was a privilege to know Ticia! My prayers are with Marshall, and all her family, as we remember her as a shining star in all our lives.
Gail, Vicki, and Marshall, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I have so many great memories of sleepovers with Ticia. She was always so sweet and so happy. Sending love and prayers to you all.
I’m shocked and saddened. The world is less without her. My sincere condolences to the family.
Deepest sympathy, she was a kind and very sweet person.
My most heartfelt condolences to everyone who feel this loss. Ticia was special and she was my dear friend. To Marshall and Gail, I’m here for you if you ever need me.
A bright light that will be missed my many. I loved the time I worked with her at Kitty Hawk Elementary and First Flight Elementary. My heart and prayers go out to Marshall and all of Tisha’s family. God bless.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Condolences Marshall,
We are so sorry to hear of Ticia’s passing.
If we can do anything please let us know.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ticia’s love touched all who knew her. We are truly sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the thousands of folks whose life she brightened and in your shared memories.