Emily Valencia was born Emily Louise Southall (affectionately known as Em) on April 15, 1966 in Farmville, Virginia.  As a little girl, Emily began her love for animals. The family had a dog and a rescue cat named Thomas. Emily’s love for animals included the usual domesticated animals as well as the exotic wildlife. She loved nature and yearned for exotic pets, like owls, pandas, penguins and her favorite, an otter. 

Emily’s family eventually moved to Richmond, Virginia, where she attended and graduated from Monacan High School in 1984. Emily went on to graduate from Radford University in 1989. After graduation, she moved back to Richmond and began what was to be a 33-year career with HCA hospitals. Emily worked diligently and worked her way through the ranks to become the Director of Collections for the Southeastern Region, managing hundreds of employees and overseeing over 73 hospitals.

Emily’s warm heart, sense of humor, love for animals, travel and good food added to her infectious smile. Em was the kindest spirit of anyone you could know. She had the uncanny knack of listening to your every word and remembering the tiniest of details. She remembered every detail to the point that on any given day, you might receive a special gift of something you mentioned in passing, just to brighten your day. She spread that joy to family, friends, co-workers and even strangers. Emily was a master at creating memorable occasions and moments for all and made each moment unforgettable.  

Emily’s love for animals made her four (4) fur babies, Flynn, Oliver, Penelope and Isabella the light of her life. Being an owner and cat lover since she was a child, Emily could not have just one cat and if she had her way would have included many more as well as a few owls, otters and pandas. Flynn, Oliver, Penelope and Isabella miss their mommy’s pampering and love since her sudden passing in November of 2021.

Since Emily also loved to see her husband Allen on the golf course and was excited when she could find new courses for him to play along with her never-ending love of animals, it was befitting that Megan Creef, a member of the Providence Golf Club along with the Richmond Animal League (RAL) helped establish an annual golf tournament in Emily’s memory. The success of the first three years brings us to the 4th Emily Valencia Tournament to benefit RAL on Friday, April 11, 2025. 

Richmond Animal League (RAL) is committed to saving lives by providing hope, help and loving homes for animals in need. Founded in 1979, RAL’s main goal is to reduce euthanasia rates in Central Virginia by transporting pets from partnering animal control agencies. RAL provides temporary housing, medical treatment, sterilization, and quality care to companion animals until they are adopted into permanent and loving homes. RAL also provides low-cost spay and neuter services at the Loving Spay & Neuter Clinic to pet owners and shelter/rescue partners without geographical restrictions. For more information please visit www.ral.org.