Valerie Ann Gill Colon

Valerie Ann Gill Colon, age 69 of Republic, Michigan passed on to her reward in Jesus Christ on Thursday, February 8th, 2024, at her home.

She was born October 25th, 1954, in Amasa, MI daughter of John Lawrence and Anna Pauline (Bennett) Gill. Valerie grew up in Amasa and traveled throughout the country following her father's work as a carpenter. She graduated high school in Port Clinton, Ohio, then attended art school in Toledo, OH, and went on to study for her LPN at Firelands Nursing School in Sandusky, OH. She became an ordained Minister following The Way, which is Jesus Christ.

She married Juan (Tony) Antonio Colon in 1986. They lived on a farm in Castalia, OH where they raised their blended family of children. She also split her time living in Michigamme and Republic.

Valerie was a Holy Spirit filled Christian that believed in following Jesus Christ. She lived a life of serving people and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ as a follower of The Way for 30+ years and a Minister for the past 10 years. Her greatest desire is for everyone to come to know the hope that she professed, believed, and followed. Her hope, faith and trust were anchored to Jesus Christ as she eagerly waited for His return.

She enjoyed cooking delicious meals for family, friends, and strangers. One of the many ways she showed her love and devotion was in cooking for others. She was funny, she just loved to laugh! She was intelligent and a wealth of wisdom. We will miss her dearly. She loved to worship the Lord. She had the singing voice of a songbird. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a true Matriarch, offering wisdom and grace and love. She gave her family strength to endure.

Surviving are her children, Albert Shumate of Michigamme, Jessica Shumate of Marinette, WI, Amber Shumate of Republic, twins Carissa Gill of Sandusky, OH, Cassandra Gill of New Haven, MI; Stepchildren, Adrian (Paige) Colon of Tampa, FL, Melissa Colon of Sandusky, OH; Sons in law, Ahmed Hozain and John Crawford. Neice, Leslie (Craig) Johnson of Munising, MI, Nephew/Son Samuel (Tanya) Gatewood of Champion, MI, Neice Cheryl Rautio of Michigamme. Many more beloved nieces and nephews. Brothers, Steve (Joanne) Gill of Edmonton, Canada, Sam (Ala) Gill of Brooksville, FL, Lowell (Marilyn) Gill of Temperance, OH, Tom (Mary Beth) of Springhill, FL, Edward Gill of Republic.

She leaves behind 17 beloved grandchildren: Chloe, Vivian, Selena, Aryah, Lyric, Gabriel, Nathan, River, Aalyiah, Joshua, Kyren, Aaron, Zoey, Elise, Walteanna, Zara, Nova and 10 beloved great grandchildren: Azelle, Xavier, Israel, Saryah, Lazarion Jr, Nolan, Zy'Aire, Mae'Lanie, Kaiser, Nauvi.

Each of you had a bond uniquely yours with her. She would want each of you to know to trust God and to finish the race. She loves you and is so proud of each of you. She will see you again.

Preceding her in death are her parents John and Anna Gill; husband Tony Colon; siblings, Mary Leaf, Diana Gatewood, Susan Olson, Don Gill, and Gary Todd Gill.

2 Timothy Chapter 4 Verses 6-8

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

Per her wishes a private family viewing and celebration of life will be held. Burial will be in the spring in the Kenton Cemetery. Jacobson Funeral Home is overseeing the arrangements.

Friends may sign Valerie's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.