With great remorse and loss we announce the passing of our husband, father, and grandfather Herman E. Valentine, Sr., in Virginia Beach, Virginia on Sunday, April 30, 2023.
Herman was born July 26, 1937 in Norfolk, Virginia where he later attended Booker T. Washington High School and Norfolk State University. He was raised by his loving mother, Alice Hite, and father Frank Valentine, Sr. alongside his beloved siblings Dot and Frank. He would always credit Norfolk with being the city that shaped him, and when he gained worldwide attention by building Systems Management American Corporation (SMA), one of the largest minority-owned companies in the country, it was Norfolk, Virginia where he first broke ground. Mr. Valentine proudly made a name for himself at a time when black entrepreneurs faced countless barriers to success. In his time he was included in publications of Who’s Who in the World and was nationally recognized and honored for his best practices in hiring and training. Other achievements include social and professional Hall of Fame memberships and consistent recognition in rankings of Top 10 Black Businesses in the nation by major publications, and an induction into the National Black Press Hall of Fame. He was also the proud recipient of the Colgate Darden Award in recognition for his contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of Virginia citizens. Through his business Herman offered countless professional development opportunities for local women, minorities, and the disadvantaged, creating opportunities in his community for many who went on to develop lauded careers of their own.
Knowing that he could not have accomplished all of this by himself, Herman continued to give credit to his parents and loyal business associates, including his wife, Dr. Dorothy Valentine, their two sons Ward and Bryce and their families, their grandchildren, and to his personal Lord and Savior. Outside of his corporate accomplishments, Herman was an avid lover of horses and lived for many years on Cavalier Horse Farm, a place he dearly loved. He hosted horse shows and used his farm as a place for riders to train, some of whom went on to Olympic competitions. And above it all, he loved his family and was loved in return. He will be remembered by us forever for his ludicrously tall tales, his favorite show tunes and the dances that came with them, and the size of his dreams.
Funeral visitation will be held Friday, May 5th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1801 Baltic Avenue, Virginia Beach. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 6th at 10:00 am at The Historic First Baptist Church of Norfolk, 418 E Bute Street, with burial interment immediately following the service at Princess Anne Memorial Park.
Sending love and prayers to the whole family.
My condolences to Dot and the family.I was a cna/caretaker for for Mr.Valentine’s mom Mrs Alice Valentine. Mr. Valentine was was always pleasant but quiet when he came by to visited his mom. This was my first nursing job. I was very appreciative he took a chance on me and more respectful of him for how he provided for her…..Rest in peace Mr. V
Dr. Dorothy Valentine and Family:
It is with deepest sympathy that I extend condolences in the loss of your beloved husband and father. Herman paved pathways to leadership excellence and creative entrepreneurship. He served as a role model for so many professionals, and his life enriched our lives. He motivated us to reach for the stars. May God’s grace and mercy continue to cover you during your loss and forevermore.
Sincerely,
Algeania W. Freeman, Ph.D.
Chair of Board-Black Women Collegiate Presidents and Chancellors
20th President of Wilberforce University
2nd President of Martin University
11th President of Livingstone College
Acting President of St. Paul’s College
My deepest sympathy to the family for your loss.
I worked for Systems Management from 1985 to 1990 and remained friends with Mr. Valentine for over 30 years. I will always cherish all of my fond memories of working for him and being a friend. I had so much respect for him that even after all of these years, I never called him by his first name because it just seemed that it would be disrespectful to do so.
I was so proud to be part of the Systems Management team and I felt honored to work for one of the top 10 black owned businesses in the nation.
Mr. Valentine will be greatly missed. His legacy will never be forgotten and he will always be remembered as a entrepreneur, role model, leader, mentor, friend and a husband, father, and grandfather.
I am blessed to have known him and will miss him very much. Rest in Paradise.
LaDonna (and Ken) Wade
To the Family, my sincerest prayers and condolences. Mr Herman Valentine affectionately known as Mr V. was my hero. He was a giant in the industry with a passion and love for all people. He opened doors and gave opportunities to many who didn’t have purpose or drive. I worked for SMA when it was on Diamond Springs Road and Monticello Ave. When I say I learned a lot I mean : it opened my eyes to see the world in a bigger way and meet some of the most elite people in the world. It broaden my way of thinking and gave me perspective, purpose, and drive. I began believing that the sky is the limit. Every Job I’ve had since SMA Ive been at the top and number 1. So I say THANK YOU MR V. You will be missed but YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Valentine. Please accept my sincere condolences on behalf of myself and my family during this difficult time.
As a child, I was always in awe of the Systems Management building. The fact that it was one of the largest buildings in the city skyline and black owned served as a source of inspiration for me and countless others.
Mr. Valentine’s legacy of entrepreneurship and hard work will continue to inspire generations to come and his contributions to the community should never be forgotten.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Philip Sherrill and family
Rest in peace my brother
I was glad to work for Mr. Valentine as a proposal writer from 1982 – 1984. It was during that time that he won the large Navy contract that put his company on the map. I was glad to know him. And pray the Lord can help family members through this time of loss.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends, colleagues and neighbors on the passing of the beloved Herman, Sr. He was a tremendous asset to our region and is sorely missed.
Dear Dot,
I’m saddened by the news and my heart goes out to you! Take solace in the fact that your son’s are with you and he is in the hands of our Lord and Savior. He was an amazing man who was loved dearly. May YHWH watch over you during this grievous time. My love is with you and the family. Blessings and Shalom to you all. Love you guys.
Vanessa Arruda