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Valerie D. Fairley a native of Moorhead recounts her experiences growing up in the Mississippi Delta. Valerie is a 1981 graduate of Gentry High School.  She vividly recalls chopping and picking cotton in the fields of the Mississippi Delta.  She remembers working as a teenager alongside of her parents Cleotha Dean, Sr. and Minnie Dean at Planters Bank, performing janitorial services. She believes developing those strong work ethics has given her tenacity and strength to overcome life challenges.

Fairley received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi Valley State University, Masters in Elementary Education and Special Education, and a Specialist in Education from Delta State University. Additionally, she received a Masters in Christian Counseling from Abundant Blessings Theological Seminary. She furthered her studies toward a doctorate at Walden University and is presently a second year doctoral student at Abundant Blessing Theological Seminary.

Fairley taught in the public schools of Sunflower County for 20 years. She taught at James C. Rosser Elementary in Moorhead, East Sunflower Elementary, and Ruleville Central Elementary.  In addition, she served as Student Services Coordinator at the Vocational Center in Indianola. Fairley began her teaching career in Tchula, Mississippi at S. V. Marshall Elementary School. Fairley is currently employed in the Leflore County School District as a librarian.

Fairley has received numerous of awards for outstanding test scores in Reading and Language arts, while employed in the Sunflower County School District She was a former recipient of 2011 Unsung Hero Award.

Fairley has currently written three children’s books: A is for Abigail, Betsey Butterfly’s Beautiful Wings,and DenverJoe’s Third Grade Experience. Fairley’s Adult Books are: Magnolia Heaven, Mississippi Proud, Southern Comforts, and Looking for Daddy. Her books are available on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles. DenverJoe’s Third Grade Experience is currently available at Tate Publishing.

Fairley attends Macedonia Church of God in Moorhead, and Metropolitan Baptist Church in Collins, Mississippi. She is married to Rev. Tommy Fairley, Sr. of Collins, Mississippi, and has three adult children, Edwin,Michael, and Tatianna.