Valarie Antonsen Sherwood

Valarie Antonsen Sherwood, 63, wife of Joseph C. Sherwood, of Summerville, passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 after a long, brave battle with ovarian cancer.

Friends and family are invited to attend her Memorial Service at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Parks Funeral Home Chapel, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Teal Diva organization. https://runsignup.com/sherwoodstrong.

Valarie was born in Atwater, California on November 29, 1960. She was the daughter of Robert and Patricia Antonsen, Sr. Valarie was a devoted wife of 40 years but also a devoted and loving mother to 3 children and 8 grandchildren. She managed her family-owned print shop, Insty-Prints of Summerville for 25 years. Valarie was a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina and in her spare time, you could find her watching the Gamecocks play or at a Stingray hockey game with her father. She spent all her time watching sports or playing with her grandchildren. She had a love for nature whether it was listening to owls with her granddaughters, teaching her grandchildren how to chase squirrels out of the yard or listening as a Mississippi Kite came flying by. She gave those around her a gift to always find beauty. She was extremely proud that her family was one of service, serving our country and also protecting our communities.

Valarie had dreams of enjoying retirement with her husband, watching her grandchildren grow and spending more time with loved ones but unfortunately that all changed in 2021 when she received her diagnosis. Instead, she was left with non-stop appointments, treatments and multiple surgeries but she never lost her spark. She always smiled, never complained and whenever anyone asked, she was always fine. She was selfless, strong and determined. In return, she inspired so many women to get genetic testing done for those with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer. Even when she was fighting for her own life, she managed to help others fight for their own.

Valarie will always be remembered as a loving, strong, beautiful warrior. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, tenacious personality and for continuing to help save lives.

If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

Valarie is survived by her husband, Joseph “Joey” Sherwood; her children, J. Peyton Sherwood (Danielle), Kristin Sherwood Blake (Alex) and M. Preston Sherwood (Amy); her grandchildren, Madison Sherwood, Kinzley Sherwood, Charleigh Sherwood, Johana Blake, Brantley Blake, MaKinley Sherwood, Amelia Grace Sherwood and Bennett Sherwood; siblings, Robert Antonsen, Jr. (Karen), Vivian A. Taylor (David) and Francis Antonsen (Wendy); nieces, Brie Grooms, Madison T. Davenport, Camden Taylor and Heather A. Foraker and a brand new great nephew, Warwick Davenport.

Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com.

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