Vanessa Williams, 63

June 24, 1962 – June 8, 2026

Beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and bank lady, Vanessa Williams entered her heavenly home on June 8, 2026, where she was reunited with her children, Brooke and Chad.

A graduate of West Union Attendance Center, Vanessa cherished her years serving customers at West Branch–BNA Bank in New Albany. She found her greatest joy in loving and spoiling her great-nieces, great-nephews, and every child fortunate enough to be part of her life who all affectionally referred to her as ‘Nessa’. Generous with her time, Vanessa was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of five, Vanessa faced more challenges in her lifetime than most people ever encounter. She courageously battled and overcame breast cancer and endured the unimaginable losses of her son, Chad, who lived nine precious days, and her daughter, Brooke, who passed away at the age of thirteen. Vanessa faced every trial with unwavering determination, fierce resilience, and strong will.

Born on June 24, 1962, Vanessa was the oldest daughter of James Thomas and Jean Spence. She was a faithful member of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Etta, Mississippi, where she devoted herself to serving the children of the church. Even during the final days of her life, her concern remained with others. One of the few questions she asked from her hospital bed was whether she had missed Vacation Bible School.

Vanessa is survived by her mother, Jean Moore Spence; her brother, James “Jimmy” Thomas Spence, Jr. (Jamie) of Foley, Alabama; her sisters, Shellie Kent (Tim) of New Albany and Christie Bennett (Dan) of Oxford; her nephews, Austin Kent (Kati) and Kevin Kent; her nieces, Kristin Kent Harris and Brittney Edwards (Blake); and the great-nieces and great-nephews who brought immeasurable joy to her life: Mollie Edwards, Rhett Edwards, Dansby Kent, Walker Harris, Cooper Edwards, Daxon Kent, Leah Grace Harris, and Darci Kate Kent.

She was preceded in death by her children, Kaitlyn Brooke and Chadwick Neal; her father, James Thomas Spence, who passed away on April 6, 2026; and her brother, Aaron Spence.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jimmy Spence, Tim Kent, Austin Kent, Kevin Kent, Blake Edwards, Dan Bennett, Terry Moore, and Colt Doom.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 10, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at United Funeral Home. A second visitation will be held Thursday, June 11, at Philadelphia Baptist Church from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, where Vanessa faithfully served as committee treasurer, by mailing donations to 456 County Road 255, Etta, Mississippi 38627, or to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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