OBITUARY
Created space for herself and others in cosmetology, politics
Loyal and loquacious, Valeria McPherson could be counted upon to put her energy and her voice in service to the old-school values she espoused. A strong sense of community led to her enduring commitments to her fellow beauticians and to a Republican Party that faded and disappeared before she did.
McPherson passed away peacefully on May 6 at the McGregor Nursing Home.
Valeria was born Nov 2, 1929 to the late Ralph and Asilee McPherson in Cleveland, Ohio. She was a retired Bailiff with Cleveland Municipal Court, a former member of the State of Ohio Board of Cosmetology and was very active in the Republican party politics in the Cleveland area. She started her working career operating a hair salon in Cleveland.
She hailed from the “do for self” era that honored independent small businesspeople, barbers and beauticians and purveyors of retail goods and services who constituted the essential workers in the black side of Jim Crow America. She was driven by the belief that opportunity and independence for black people could best be advanced through cooperative efforts in the civic and commercial arenas.
McPherson’s dedication made her a dependable presence in Columbus where she could be counted upon to advocate for the black beautician she represented as president of the Ohio Association of Beauticians. Her Republican bona fides enabled her to secure multiple appointments to the state cosmetology board where she continued her advocacy.
Dr. Brenda Holsey of Toledo, OAB’s current state president, recalls McPherson’s decades-long record of advocacy. “She was always trying to help, to share information. She wanted to add value.”
Back home in Cleveland, McPherson’s passions secured her a spot as a personal bailiff to then-Cleveland Municipal Court judge Sara J. Harper.
Wholesale beauty supplier Leroy Sharp and serial entrepreneur Vel Scott are among those who remember McPherson fondly. Scott and McPherson were frequent lunch companions. Sharp saw his friend as a staunch advocate for the people she represented even as she toiled in the minority.
Cuyahoga GOP chairwoman Lucy Stickan describes McPherson as a “pillar of the party” but said their relationship was so much richer than that. “She was wonderful”, recalls Stickan. “Loyal. Intelligent. Honorable. Kind. You were blessed to call her friend.”
McPherson is survived by her brother Ralph (Ruthie) McPherson Jr, sister-in-law Juanita McPherson, and (13) nieces and nephews — Ellen Ruth McPherson, Michele Hauser, Sterling Hauser, Russell (Renee) Hauser, Sherrie Hauser Simmons, Reginald McPherson, Jeffrey (Donna) McPherson, Patricia McPherson, Karen McPherson, Teri (Kevin) Robinson, Marlon McPherson, Anthony McPherson, and Gregory McPherson — as well as a host of grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
There will be a graveside service tomorrow, Wednesday, May 13, at 1PM at Lake View Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Ave [44106].
Arrangements have been entrusted to Lucas Funeral Home, 9010 Garfield Blvd. [44125].
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2 comments:
Valeria McPherson, became a licensed cosmetologist in 1953 and became a licensed instructor. She began her service on the Ohio State Cosmetology Board in November of 1976 and continued serving for 16 years and 9 months ending her time on the board in 2007.
Valeria is remembered as always knowing where she stood on every issue whether you agreed with her or not, you had to admire and respect that she said it in a forth coming manner. She was headstrong in her beliefs and always looked out for the best interest of the licensees and the public to the best of her ability. It was her great passion to professionalize this industry and help young woman to achieve more. For those that remember her you know there was never a dull moment with Valeria.
Her passing was noted at today's meeting of the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board.
Val was full of energy and knowledge. I learned a lot from her coming in to the beauty industry. She was very vocal and made sure she got her point across and that you got the point. Val was a walking History book for the Ohio Association of Beauticians, Inc. I would listen to her for hours as she answered my many questions. She would be talking and smiling as she went back down memory lane with great pride. I’m forever great full that I was able to soak up some of the historical knowledge she possessed.
I send my condolences, sympathy and prayers to the Family. GOD Blessed her with a long full life🙏🏽
Blessings to You,
Dr. Sharon R. Johnson, 20th President of Ohio Association of Beauticians, Inc.
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