Valerie Celeste Schumm, 74, of Pensacola, FL, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026.

Valerie Celeste Schumm was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a friend to many. Her life was centered on Christ and serving the Church. Born in West Palm Beach, FL to Frank and Celeste Ward, she was the eldest of her sisters, following the oldest brother, Tommy. Valerie was followed by Lauren, Susie, David and Michael. She met Wayne, also from West Palm Beach, and they married September 30, 1972. After settling in Pensacola they had Nicholas (1978) and Janelle (1983). Valerie graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Social Work from the University of West Florida. She worked in adoptions for over 10 years with Catholic Charities. She was the Director of Alpha Center for 20 years. She was an active member of the Lay Carmelites, Saint Mary Parish, Joyful Noise Singers, a founding member of the Women’s Study Group, and many Bible Studies. On Sundays, she was a lead guitarist and cantor for music in the Joyful Noise Singers for the 11:00am Mass at St. Mary’s Parish for 46 years. Along with family, she was involved in many theater plays for St. Mary’s Productions, where she again used her gift of singing for the community.

Her remaining immediate loved ones are her husband, Wayne; son, Father Nicholas Schumm; daughter and son-in-law, Janelle and Wes Bumgardner, and four granddaughters, Ava, Morgan, Sloane, and Riley.

In memorial, please make donations to Alpha Center, Inc. https://www.alphacenterinc.org/volunteer

6004 Pernella Road, Pensacola, FL 32504

A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until a Funeral Mass is celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Nicholas Schumm, Celebrant.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Barrancas National Cemetery. A procession will leave Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 10:30 am to go to the cemetery.

Please click here for livestream of service