MRS. VALERIA BURNHAM ECKLES, age 94, of Eastman, GA, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 2, 2024. He welcomed her with open arms as there had never been someone whose faith was greater than hers. Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Saturday, May 4, at Eastman First Baptist Church, with Dr. Jerry Peele and Rev. Todd Crosby officiating, with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery. Valeria was born in Eastman, GA on May 28, 1929, to A.H. “Cap” Burnham and Pearl Barlow Burnham. She graduated high school from Eastman High and later went to Middle Georgia College, where she earned her Secretarial degree. She became a secretary for an attorney and later for a loan company. After having her three children, she went back to college at Georgia College and State University and earned her teaching degree. She taught high school history for fifteen years before returning once again to college at Valdosta State University and obtained her master’s degree in counseling. She was a counselor at Dodge County High School as well at Dodge County Middle School. Valeria loved working with the students and being a part of their lives. Valeria and her husband, J.C., were very active in the lives of their children and spent many hours traveling to sporting events and anything the kids, or grandchildren, were involved in. After retiring, Valeria and J.C. enjoyed traveling to Montana to visit kids and grandchildren and any family occasion that brought the family together. They both loved their family and grandchildren. She was a member of Eastman First Baptist Church for many years. She was very active in the church and in the choir. She worked with the youth and taught various Sunday School classes through the years. Valeria was married to J.C. Eckles who preceded her in death on May 14, 2013, along with her Son, John C. Eckles, Jr and his Wife, Hazel Smith Eckles. She is survived by her Daughters; Grandchildren; Great-Grandchildren. The family may be contacted at the residence and will receive friends in Eastman First Baptist Church from 1:00PM-2:00PM Saturday, May 4.