The Beasley Family


Valerie Beasley has been a loving and caring parent to a number of children throughout her life. She first became a parent to her biological children, a daughter Vicky, age 31 and a son Jeff, age 26. She provides that same loving care to children as a foster parent and as an adoptive parent.

Valerie has remained single since she was divorced from her husband a number of years ago. She chuckles when asked why she considered becoming a single foster parent and after she had already raised two children to adulthood.

Valerie Beasley catches a brief moment with her two active adopted children Rebecca (left) age 7 and Anthony (right) age 10. She served as a foster parent to both children before adopting them.


“Well, the only way I can really explain it is that God called me to this ministry. When God lays something on your heart for you to do you just have to do it.”

Valerie’s decision to become a foster parent allowed some very special children to come into her life that she eventually adopted, Rebecca 7 who is in the first grade and Joseph Anthony (goes by Anthony) age 10 who is in the fourth grade. Anthony and Rebecca came into her life amidst very different circumstances.

“The first time I saw Rebecca I was working in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville. She had been born addicted to opiates. As I helped care for Rebecca I felt myself being drawn closer and closer to her. I just knew that she was supposed to be with me.”

“I was able to become assigned as Rebecca’s foster parent and when she was ready to leave the hospital she came home with me. And she has been with me ever since. I was able to officially adopt her a year after she came home with me.”

“Anthony came to me when he was three years old. He had been in two other foster homes prior to coming to me. His adoption was final two years later.”

Valerie is very proud of her children as they both do well in school and in many other areas of life. However she is proudest of the fact that they both have a heart for the Lord. Anthony wants to become a preacher and Rebecca recently decided that she wants to be baptized. Valerie and her two children attend First Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

Valerie encourages others to consider becoming a foster parent. “I would encourage people to consider becoming a foster parent. You’ll always have the support of the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes and you’ll become a critically important part of a child that needs you more than anything else in the world.”