Van...my dear Seattle Sistah and Friend. As I've just been informed about your passing yesterday, Aug 9, 2013 I do not feel that I'm never late to say I love you. I remember when you and I use to let our small babies play on the floor together - their all grown now:) My heart cannot believe the words that has entered my mind of your homecoming so early in life. RIP Sistah...

Van ...rest in peace. I just found out a few weeks ago i seen family,member ask how was Van doing? I hand to leave work! I have know Van for more than thirty years.God bless the family!
Much love
Renee Robbia Newton

My dear sister. It still doesn't seem real that now I have to leave a message like this but I know that you are free and with our brother playing again. You and God showed me 4 times that you were okay and lately a whistling bird comes to my window and whistles until I get up then a few minutes later,it's gone. I promise that I will do whatever I need to to help mama with everyone. LOVE...

"If tears could build a stairway
and thoughts a memory lane
I'd walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again
No Farewell words were spoken
No time to say good-bye
You were gone before I knew it
And only God knows why.

My heart's still active in sadness
And secret tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No one can ever know."

''WHERE DO I START TODAY MAKES 2 WEEKS OF MY LIFE MAKING A TRAGIC TURN I LOST MY LOVE MY BFF &MOTHER I LOVE U MOM U WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN I PROMISE IN MY HEART OR SOUL I CAN HEAR YOUR VOICE TELLING ME ITS GOING BE OK EVERY STEP OF THE WAY I CANT TAKE BACK TIME OR CHANGE WHAT HAPPEN BUT I PROMISE WERE GOIN DO WHAT U WANTED N STAY TOGETHER REST IN PARADISE VANESSA LUV U ALWAYS J&K

Vanessa we go way back, my heart is heavy right now. It took me a minute to just reflect. I have so many memories of you. We shared some really fun times. Life is funny how it takes us on many different paths and in so many different directions as we age and mature. However, one thing is true,you will truly be missed. May you R.I.P "Van" and may your spirit live on.

My heart has been heavy all day knowing that today was the day you were laid to rest. I'm going to miss u so very much Van, I'm going to miss you whistling at me fr your bedroom window when we lived next door to each other in Seattle, I'm going to miss that Big laugh of yours. I'm especially going to miss your hugs you would give me when ever we saw one another. RIP my sweet Van, RIP

I enjoyed being your musician when you sang in the Angel choir @ Goodwill & the Junior Voices @ New Direction. I loved when we rehearse at your mom's house and after rehearsal she will always make my favorite tuna fish on crackers. Van, I love when I see you in church you and I would just bust out laughing about church folks. Boy, we had fun in church. RIP, you were truly a sweet person.

Hi Van, Even though I've never met it feels like I've known for a while.. A Sister's Love is something Special and i couldn't even imagine but God knows..Harriett talked about you all the time May you rest in peace in the Lord's Heavenly arms and may your memories live on forever and ever Love you 2 your sista/friend *Fray* PS. Tell my Grandma & Grand-dad I said I love them.

I have two group photo's of the gymnastic team and you are in them. My wonderful neighbor in mt baker. Don't know how to upload, but anyway my love say hi to my bro Wendell who also passed at 47. You made a impact with your living. thanks for being you.

Hi Van, even though I've never met you feels like I know you from your sister Harriet, May you rest in peace leaving Great Memories and LOVE I wish I could have met you before sounds like you were a great friend, sometimes we don't know why things happen when they do but only does. You will ALWAYS be Loved on earth & in Heaven Your other sista/friend Fray  PS tell my Grandma &Grandad Hi

Van, I remember you growning up from a teenager to young adulthood,to motherhood. You were always free spirit that what I loved most about you. I know that you are resting in the arms of the Lord right
now. I will always cherish your smile and your openesss to be the person that you became. Love you forever RIP

Vanessa. A beautiful soul. As you rest in peace with God, know your memory will always live within the lives you've touched. As a mother, daughter, wife & friend, you have given us all something to cherish. You will always be a smile on my heart, because that is what stands out when i think of you. God bless you, and your family, LaShaun Daye-Perdue

Van...Missed already!! Sistahood of life!! I just remember all the fun time we had ,,Keeping Harriett out of the trouble trying to hang with all of her big sistas BULLDOG DAYS!!! Yes,, BAM BAM love and rest in peace..

Wow, where should I start? I remember growing up and spending lots of time with Van at church and she was my babysitter. I remember when the tables turned and I became the babysitter for her kids. I have nothing but fond memories and am thankful for my big sis/cousin in my life! Blessings, I will love you always!

Vanessa, my heart is sadden but I know you are resting in Jesus. My prayers goes out to your family. Sending love from Seattle

Where do I begin? I have so many memories of growing up with my cousin. At one point we were inseparable, we went everywhere together! We went to school together, church, gymnastics, choir rehearsal (TEGC) and everywhere else Aunt Lettie took us. Those are some of the most memorable times of my life, often with Harriett in tow. I will miss that infectious laugh. Love you Van!

Vanessa, you will definitely be missed. You were a joy to know, full of life. Rest peacefull my fellow bulldog. You're in the masters arms now.

"Have a Great day with God Vanessa."
You will Be Missed But Never Forgotten...
~Ivey~

My memory of Vanessa was when we were at a 3:00 program at New Direction and one of the guest church choirs were singing and oh they were just singing off key and we were just laughing and it took my mother to give us this look and we stopped laughing so loud.. But when we looked at each other the laughing continued. I know that she is resting in the bosom of the lord peacefully, RIP

Thanks for all your emails, letters, phone calls, Texts, and oh yea..........the many wonderfully funny phone videos you sent (smile).
32 years of knowing you and your family. Eating up all your mom's food (when I was tryna act shy) and wondering how your dad found so much enjoyment listening to his CB radio. Wow.......remembering the good times.

When I got the news of your passing I immediatedly froze in my steps and it hit me like a ton of bricks..........it's happening, meaning we are leaving here in alarming numbers - our generation! It seems like just yesterday when I first met you and the Total Experience singers getting off the bus in my home town (Crossett, Ark),,,,,,,,,we remained friends until the end. Gona miss ya Van !

Never in a million years did I ever think that I would have to do this for you Van, but here I am. It hurts but I know that you are at peace, you have surrendered to our holy Father and you are finally back with our brother, Peppi. I am the only one left here and want you to know that I will always cherish the memories of us growing up to our last moment together in November 2012. I love u

Vanessa was vibrant and fun and always friendly. I enjoyed the time knowing her while living in Seattle. My condolences to the family and my continued prayers that God will continue to comfort you in your time of loss.

Gone way too soon! I'm devastated to hear of your passing. Vanessa you were like a big sister / cousin to me when I was growing up. I will miss your warm & kind energy and your laugh really could light the room up. I will always remember doing gymnastics with you at Ms Smiths Dance Studio, and singing with you in the choir. You will always be in my heart. Rest In Peace. Traci

Dear Van,i know that right now you are playing with Peppy and catching up from lost times.I just want you to know that you are truly going to be missed . You left me with a memory that i will never forget! Van,i am so grateful to have had a sister like you. I thank you for you just being Van.We had some rough days and some good days,but the good definitely out wayed the bad... RIP big sister..

My beloved cousin, best friend, sister, my shoulder too cry on, my ear when I needed it and much more. This has been so hard on me to know that I will never get too call you and talk for hours about whatever. I will make sure to do just what you wanted me too do, get closer to our family and be right with God. Rest easy, love you infinity!!

Vanessa, although your not with us on this earth, you are in spirit, you've always been that fun person who didn't care what anyone said, you will be truly missed, please know that your children are being watched over and taken care of, may you R.I.P.