Delta State University mourns the loss of alumnus John White Valentine of Cleveland, Mississippi, who passed away on August 10, 2024. He was 95. The University flag will fly at half-staff today through sunset on Sunday, August 25, in Mr. Valentine’s honor
Mr. Valentine was born in Cleveland, Mississippi in 1929. He attended Hill Demonstration School on the campus of Delta State Teachers College and later Cleveland High School where he helped manage and keep score for several Wildcat sports teams. He graduated with first honors and entered Delta State Teachers College on a scholarship given by Mrs. Annie Lenoir Cassity. At graduation, he received the first diploma, awarded to the student with the highest score for their class. Law school at the University of Mississippi followed and, upon receiving his degree, he returned to Cleveland and joined the law firm of Valentine and Valentine.
In 1961, he married Jonett Sanford, and their first home was an apartment at Delta State’s Cassity Hall. He taught Business Law at Delta State for several years, was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and a life member of the DSU Alumni Association.
He was appointed assistant City Attorney in 1961 and also served as City Prosecuting Attorney and City Judge. Later he was elected County Prosecuting Attorney and then Bolivar County Judge. While City Attorney, he helped establish the Cleveland Heritage Commission. He also helped found the Whistlestop Playhouse and Crosstie Arts Festival.
A visitation honoring Mr. Valentine will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 2:00-3:00 pm at Ray Funeral Home, located at 206 Bishop Road in Cleveland. A memorial service will immediately follow at 3:00 pm at Ray Funeral Home.
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As shown in the remembrances below, Mr. Valentine was dedicated to his family and the Cleveland community.
John White was one of a kind. He was a really smart man and served as attorney for the City of Cleveland for many years He will be missed, and I will always remember him as being soft spoken, yet always correct on his advice for the City.
–Mayor Billy Nowell, City of Cleveland, MS
I have known John White Valentine all my life. I always knew him to be very warm and friendly and knowledgeable. He also loved our Cleveland community.
–Mr. Clint Wood, Chair Emeritus of Accountancy, CIS and Finance and Professor Emeritus of Business Law
As a young attorney, Mr. Valentine was always a wonderful supporter. He was a great listening ear and wonderful giver of encouragement. He was also just such a kind man. Please pray for his wife and son.
–Ann Marie Pate, 2004 DSU Alumnae
John White’s life should be viewed as a perfect example of commitment to community service. His devotion to Cleveland will be greatly missed.
–Mr. Judson Thigpen, Former Executive Director, Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce
