Dr. Valerie Lea Pritchett Taylor died June 22, 2007. Born May 9, 1961 in Panama City, Fla., she spent most of her childhood and adolescence in Montevallo.

Valerie was a graduate of the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Subsequently, she was awarded a B.S. in psychology from the University of Montevallo, a Masters in Counseling from Troy State University, and an Ed.D. in psychology from Tennessee State University. Valerie&8217;s son Grant Alexander Sanborn was born in Florida. Valerie spent a number of years in Florida counseling and working with the indigent. That work was continued later in Alabama and Tennessee.

Surviving Valerie are her son Grant Alexander Sanborn; her parents, Dr. Theodore M. and Jo Ann H. Pritchett; her sister, Elizabeth (Beth) Ann Pritchett Dampier; two nieces, Stephanie A. Dampier and Alison E. Dampier; one nephew, S. Matthew Dampier and spouse Alexandra Dampier; and her beloved companion, Pepe, her dog.

A memorial service was held for Valerie at 11 a.m., June 26, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church in Montevallo with family visitation and greeting at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary with the Rev. Richard Freeman officiating.

Valerie was very dedicated to her work. She was held in high regard by her peers for her counseling insight and patient treatment. She was a splendid musician, and could have had a professional career as a singer. Her talents and strong Christian faith will be her legacy. She is at peace, finally.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Salvation Army, the charitable organization on which Valerie depended for her work with the indigent, and to the music program at the First United Methodist Church in Montevallo, where she was a member of the adult choir