Valerie Oliver Warner, born November 24, 1943, in Heswall, Cheshire, United Kingdom, passed away May 9, 2026 after a life marked by intellectual curiosity, professional dedication, and deep commitment to family and community.

She was the daughter of Daniel Llewelyn Oliver and Ivy Bardill Port Oliver, and the beloved sister of Joan Oliver Vickers of Beaumaris, Anglesey, all of whom predeceased her. 

Valerie spent her early years near Liverpool, where she attended Birkenhead School and developed a lifelong love of learning. In her youth, she enjoyed the vibrant cultural scene of the time, including attending performances at the famed Cavern Club, where she saw The Beatles before their rise to international fame.

She pursued an extensive and distinguished education, studying at Liverpool Institute of Technology, Liverpool University School of Medicine, and the University of Wales at Swansea. She furthered her training at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and was a proud member of the American Society of Clinical Pathology.

Valerie built a remarkable career in the medical field, dedicating her life to advancing pathology and laboratory science. Her work included serving as Director of the first blood bank in Covington, Louisiana, and contributing to research at the Tulane Primate Research Center, where she assisted in early studies and treatment efforts related to HIV disease. She later served as Supervisor of Anatomic Pathology at Northshore Regional Medical Center and Ochsner Medical System, where she was respected for her expertise, leadership, and mentorship. On January 1, 2023, Valerie retired after 49 years of service to her profession.

Her life journey took her from England to Canada, and eventually to Louisiana, where she established deep roots in both her professional and personal life. 

Valerie was married three times: first to Dr. John Anthony Tallis, with whom she had two children, Dr. Mark Anthony Tallis (Alice) and Rachel Mia Tallis; second to Bryce Weldon Smith, with whom she had a son, Justin Bryce Smith (Carlina); and third to John P. Warner, with whom she shared a blended family that included stepchildren Jamie Patricia Warner Webb (Bob), Wendy Anne Warner Vaughan (Robert), and Stephanie Randolph Warner.

She was a devoted member of Christ Episcopal Church, where she served faithfully on various committees, and held a 40-year membership in the Daughters of the British Empire. Outside of her professional and community life, Valerie had a passion for raising and showing champion Great Danes, a pursuit that brought her great joy and recognition. She also greatly enjoyed international travel, particularly repositioning cruises, which reflected her adventurous spirit and love of exploring new places.

Valerie will be remembered for her intelligence, resilience, and generosity, as well as her dedication to science, her family, and her community. Her legacy lives on through her children, stepchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

A private Celebration of Life will be held in the Saint Francis of Assisi Gardens at Christ Episcopal Church in Covington.

To honor Valerie and her well-lived life, in of lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the charity of your choice.