Valerie Ann Cowan Heschong

He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'? --Mark 5:34 ***** Valerie Ann Cowan Heschong, 58, received her ultimate healing on May 23, 2012. Valerie was born on October 13, 1954 in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of James Cowan and Joan J. MacAyeal. She lived in Wisconsin and Ohio during her childhood and teen years. As a young woman, she moved to Tennessee with her daughter, Jessica, to start a new life. She served others as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, helping disability patients to achieve recovery and independence. In 1982, she married Roger Heschong, and took his son, Chris, under her wing. Valerie and Roger soon gave birth to another son, Aaron. She helped her husband build his chiropractic practice, and served as the office manager for many years. Valerie had a strong Christian faith, and raised her children in the church. She has been a member of Grace Fellowship Church since 1990. Valerie was a mother, devoted wife, teacher, caregiver, artist, student, free thinker, believer, and a dreamer. She was a gentle spirit, who lived by the mantra, 'peace be with you.'? Valerie was also strong, courageous, and independent. She lived with a disability for many years, but never wanted to be labeled or defined by her condition. She could do anything she wanted, and she would prove it to you. She was able to live alone for many years of her life. Valerie was also an eager student, whose hunger for learning and knowledge was never quenched. She had a great imagination, and was a very creative person, which was expressed through sewing, the arts, language and music. Valeries hands were strong as the result of hard work, but these same hands could also be incredibly gentle. Valerie will be greatly missed. She was deeply loved. Valerie leaves behind many family and friends who will grieve her loss. She leaves in Jonesborough, her daughter and family, Jessica and Jason Edmisten and their four children, Chloe, Grady, William and Brooks. In Charlotte, North Carolina, she leaves her son and family, Chris and Nicole Heschong and their two children, Benjamin and Violet. In Johnson City, she leaves her son, Aaron Heschong. In Basalt, Colorado, she leaves behind her mother, Joan J. MacAyeal, and her brother, Ian MacAyeal. In Madison, Wisconsin, she leaves her brother, James 'Pie'? Cowan. In Roan Mountain, she leaves her former husband, Roger Heschong. She was preceded in death by her father, James William Cowan of Madison, Wisconsin. Valeries family would like to extend special thanks to everyone who helped to care for her, especially Nonie and Pandora from Caris Healthcare. The family will be receiving friends at Grace Fellowship Church (North Wing) in Johnson City on Friday, May 25th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. A brief celebration of life service will be conducted at 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to the Lupus Foundation of America (lupus.org). ***** Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. --John 14:27