Valeria Herod Banger

Valeria Herod Banger was born September 11, 1967 to the late Earnest and Gladys Milam Herod in Sardis, MS.

She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Free Springs UM Church in Como, MS. She later moved her membership to New Grove MB Church in Strayhorn, MS where she remained a member until death. Valeria received her education from Lafayette County schools where she played basketball. She was a graduate of the class of 1985. She furthered education by attending and graduating from Rust College with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. She gained employment with ICS in Walls, MS. Valeria became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on March 22, 1988 by way of the Iota Gamma Chapter at Rust College. She later got back active with Zeta through the Upsilon Tau Zeta Chapter in Batesville, MS and consciously contributed to the founding principles of the Sisterhood. Valeria served as the chapter President of Upsilon Tau Zeta from 2016 - 2017 and remained active with the chapter until her health declined.

Valeria was united in matrimony to Willie L. Banger. She enjoyed purse and shoe shopping, talking with others, going to yard sales, watching her Pittsburg Steelers and Los Angeles Lakers play, spending time with her grandchildren, and being with family and friends. 

On Friday, May 14, 2021, Valeria passed away in Southaven, MS. Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Willie L. Banger of Southaven, MS; children, Earnesha Dunn of Oxford, MS, Tyler Banger of Southaven, MS, Chelsi Banger of Dallas, TX, and ; two grandchildren; one brother, Gerald Herod (Carla) of Covington, Ga, four sisters, Ruby Herod of Conyers, GA, Florence Herod, Sherry Herod, and Debra Herod all of Abbeville, MS; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. sisters, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Valeria was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, David Herod, and son-in-law, Deveyn Quarles.