Valerie Denise McCaskey, age 66, of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa.

Valerie was born on April 11, 1959, in Tampa, Florida, one of seven children born to Drayton and Mildred (Chance) Davis. On July 24, 2001, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” McCaskey, in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a ceremony officiated by an Elvis impersonator. Valerie promised not to “step on his blue suede shoes,” while Bill vowed to “love her tender”—a moment that perfectly captured Valerie’s humor and joyful spirit.

Valerie worked for BayCare as a Resident Advocate within mental health facilities, where her compassion, warmth, and dedication to others made a meaningful difference in countless lives. Above all else, she was a devoted wife and mother, whose love for her family knew no bounds. Her jovial personality was infectious—those around her often found their spirits lifted simply by her presence.

She learned to become an exceptional cook at a young age, often preparing meals for her six siblings, a role she embraced with love and pride. Valerie also had a true “green thumb” and found great joy in gardening. In her spare time, she cherished dancing with her husband and making memories with family and friends, especially during visits to their timeshare in Sarasota, Florida.

Valerie will be deeply missed by her husband, Bill McCaskey; her children, Ashley (Dustin) McDonald and Ryan Rodgers; her stepchildren, Jacob (Ashley) McCaskey and Lauren (Larry) Youmans; her siblings, Jeffrey (Pam) Davis and David Davis; and her many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Mark Davis, Michael Davis, Eddie Davis, and Carol Davis.

In accordance with her wishes, Valerie was cremated. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Florida Mortuary Funeral and Cremation Service, 4601 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33603.