About Us

Claire has lived in Fort Valley on and off for nearly 20 years. She raised three children - Nicole, Michael and Christopher - in Vienna, Virginia. Her sons are now 35 years old and 31 years old, respectively. She lost her 28-year-old daughter to cancer in December 2011, which brought Claire back to The Fort for what she thought would be a few months of spiritual recovery. She is now approaching her eighth consecutive year back here in the place she loves most,  began working at the store in November 2017, and took on her management role in November 2018. Claire is also our Notary Public (registration #7806536) commissioned by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Nova has worked for the Fort Valley Country Store through its many iterations over the years, in addition to working at other (now closed) stores in the fort. Nova is our go-to person for anything or anyone Fort Valley. She was born and raised here, married her husband Ricky here, raised her two daughters here, and is now the proud grandmother of a grandson and two granddaughters. We are grateful to have Nova at the store when she isn't spending time with her family.

Kim has been with the store for over a year now, and it's hard to remember what it was like without her! She lives in The Fort with her husband, two sons and daughter. She spends quite a bit of time in the family garden, got herself a passel of chickens, and tends to her bee hives. With her keen sense of humor, work ethic, and connections to our community, Kim is a welcome addition to the store. 

John Bert was a regular customer who often pitched in when needed, so we just put him on the books until the movie industry calls him back to work. John is a great addition to the staff, even if it is temporary. He has a ferocious sense of humor that keeps us in stitches, and he can sell just about anything. Although his "official" title on a movie set is "Prop Master," he is graced with an eye for photography and videography. (Check out our digital frame with his photos.) John has no shortage of interests, including flying a cute little airplane, history (oh, my, he knows his history!), crafting beautiful holsters, and making delicious Pico de gallo.  

Owen lives in Fort Valley with his parents. His brother and sister live away from the fort. He was homeschooled K-12 , is now a student at Lord Fairfax Community College, and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. When he's not working on his studies or at the store, Owen is likely at home practicing music, writing, auditioning for a play, or taking care of his chickens and pigs.

Shannon lives in the Fort with her husband James, sons Zach and Josh, and three dogs. Their daughter, Katie, and son, Allen, live in West Virginia, as do three lovely grandchildren - Freddy, Gracie, and Sophie. Shannon is a special education teacher at W.W. Robinson. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family, riding on the Harley with her husband, hair therapy, massage therapy, and traveling in her Lil Red jeep. She loves the fellowship with customers and employees during her shifts at the Fort Valley Country Store. 

Peter Walters, our newest and youngest employee, lives with his dad and pets in Fort Valley. When he's not at home, he's probably with his grandparents Ernie and Linda Walters. Peter has an interest in art and theatre. A self-described "geek," he is known amongst friends and family for his collection of comic books, action figures and everything Marvel. In the short time since Peter started working at the store, he has proven to have a great sense of humor, an eagerness to learn, and a Fort Valley work ethic.