Vanessa departed this life to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at the age of 52. She loved spending time with family & friends, laughing, and dancing. She was a very loving and caring person, devoted mother, nanny, and friend. She had an open and loving heart and always made you feel special.
She graduated from Murphy High School in 1985. She further her education at Bishop State Community College, where she received an Associate in Applied Science and an Associate in Science. She also received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Faulkner University. She was a member of Saint Peter Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Cleveland McFarland, Jr. where she served on the Anointed Women and Men of God Dance Ministry and Greeters Ministry.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents John and Hazel Brookins and Katherine McKinney and her sister Betty Jones.
She leaves to cherish her memories two sons, Rodney Smith and DeMarcus Brinkley; her loving parents, Charles and Johnnie Mae Allen, all of Mobile, AL. Two sisters, Sharon (Otis Williams Sr.) Pate and Charlene (Michael White) Allen-White, all of Mobile, AL. A brother-in-law, Kelvin Jones of Mobile, AL. Five aunts, Joy Ann Liddell and Lillian (Tony) Cunningham, all of Mobile, AL; Ollie Danner of Brooklyn, NY; Doris Burnside, and Barbara Wearing of Bronx, NY; Two uncles, Elijah McKinney Jr. of Houston, TX and Labarron McKinney of Mobile, AL. Five nieces, Keldricka (Anthony) Wiganowske, Tonique (Patrick) Burns, Shanette Gunn, Michaela Allen, and Camisha Allen, all of Mobile, AL. One nephew, Tony (Larry) Tolbert; four great nieces. She was blessed with one devoted and loving goddaughter, Char’Neria Evans.
She leaves many cousins, a host of extended family and friends; one bonus sister Beverly Williams.
Vanessa will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Her unwavering faith, smile, laughter, and sense of humor will forever be her hallmark. She will be remembered for the passionate love she had for Jesus Christ and family.