Valerie Hannah

Valerie “Noni” Joan Scott Hannah, 90, of San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully on Friday, November 6, 2026, with her loving daughters and husband by her side. A woman of remarkable beauty and strength, she is remembered above all for the extraordinary impact she had on the lives of those around her.

Valerie was born September 5, 1936, in Peoria, Illinois to Leslie C. Scott and Elizabeth M. (Calhoun) Scott. Valerie’s parents ran the Lacon Home Journal newspaper while she and her siblings freely explored the small community and delighted in outdoor adventure. As a teenager, Valerie spent summers with her cousins in California or working in Washington, D.C. She excelled at Mid-County High School, where she was a cheerleader and crowned Homecoming Queen, and later attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

Propelled by that same sense of adventure, Valerie became a successful entrepreneur. In 1977, she opened an office of Robert Half [Personnel Agency] in San Antonio, Texas, becoming the first woman to own such a franchise. With impeccable style and a work ethic that impressed even Texans, she expanded the business to Austin, El Paso and Corpus Christi. She also served as a mentor to countless employees, friends and family members, many of whom will tell you the same thing: Valerie changed the course of their lives.

Outside of work, Valerie was an avid San Antonio Spurs fan and enjoyed reading and travel. But the cornerstone of her life was family. She was a loving wife to Tommy Hannah, her husband of 52 years, and a generous, inspiring guide to three generations of children, beginning with her two daughters, Julie Thompson (Tye) and Gretchen Lilly (Craig).

Valerie is also survived by her brother Winston Scott and her stepdaughters Nannette Sabella and Leann Stinnett. She leaves behind ten grandchildren and step-grandchildren Lindsay Gastrell, Taylor Thompson (Margaret), Mallory Beckham (Joe), Megan Contreras (Jacob), Jordan Guardi (Frank), Tommy Sebald (Emily), Hannah Braul (Austin), Maya Sabella, Carlie Stinnett and Torie Stinnett, as well as ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Judith Smith.

Valerie and Tommy were active members of Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church, where she participated in the prayer quilt ministry.

A memorial service for Valerie will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 21 at Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church, 8589 State Hwy 16, Pipe Creek Texas 78063. A reception will follow the service.