Valeria Jean Hiers Curry

Valeria Jean Hiers Curry went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Grace Davis Hall House in Ocala, Florida. She will be remembered for her genuine and infectious smile, her grace, charm, hospitality, kindness, sense of humor, and deep love of her family and friends. Valeria was born in Plant City on April 24, 1940, to Ralph and Frances Hiers. She moved to the Oak area north of Ocala where she loved running free with her older sister, Lynn, and in her words, “Getting into all sorts of fun!” She graduated from Ocala High School in 1958, where she was a cheerleader. After initially enrolling at Florida State University, she transferred to the University of Florida where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. In 1960, she married Lanny Curry and supported him while he attended law school. After he graduated, they moved back to Ocala where she became a beloved school teacher in Marion County. She initially taught math at South Ocala Elementary School, and then science at Fort King Middle School. After she retired, you could see the love she poured into her students by the many excited, “Hi Mrs. Curry!” you could hear called out to her everywhere she went. Valeria enjoyed playing tennis, bridge, and bunco with her friends. She was involved in numerous organizations, including the Children’s Service League, Royal Dames, Pioneer Garden Club, and the Women’s Club. She was also a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ocala. Although not formally trained, Valeria was a talented decorator. She loved helping her family and friends make their spaces look beautiful. She had a great eye and extremely good taste. Her greatest joys were her children (Karen and Lance) and her three grandchildren (Landyn, Whit, and Wynn). Following in the footsteps of her mother, who was known as Mema, Valeria became known as Mimi. Mimi was more popular than Santa, making every holiday extraordinarily fun. Each year at Christmas time, her grandchildren could not wait to find the pickle ornament she had hidden well within the tree. Valeria also loved Jesus and would frequently share the gospel with her children and grandchildren. She gifted them bibles at a very young age, taught them bible verses, and sang them Christian hymns that they still know today. Valeria is survived by her children (Karen and Lance), daughter-in-law (Tara), her grandchildren (Landyn, Whit, and Wynn), her sister (Lynn Morgan), her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and countless friends. She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Lanny, and her parents, Ralph and Frances Heirs. Valeria’s funeral service will be held at Robert’s Downtown Chapel 606 SW 2nd Avenue Ocala, FL, 34471, on Saturday, March 28th at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, with a celebration of her life following at Robert’s East Chapel, 2739 SE Maricamp Road.

Valeria Jean Hiers Curry

April 24, 1940 - February 28, 2026