Vanessa Rosie Lee Williams, family matriarch

Born Nov. 30, 1964, in New Jersey, Rosie Lee Townsend and Gene Williams gave birth to a very special daughter, Vanessa Rosie Lee.  During the 57 years of her life, she truly exemplified the finest example of a woman of God to her children, her grandchildren, her family, and her faith. Vanessa received her education in the Milford School District and resided in Milford. Vanessa was called to her heavenly home on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, her son’s birthday.

Vanessa will forever be cherished, honored, and loved by her two children, who were her heartbeats with legs and whom she loved dearly, Tyrel Williams (Ruth) and Janee’ Williams (Anthony), as well as her godson, Christopher Allen. Vanessa was extremely proud of her children and often spoke endlessly about their accomplishments and how the Lord was using each of them.  Vanessa’s precious relationship with her eight grandchildren will leave loving and lasting memories of special times shared together for Sydney Neal, Naomi Williams, Isabelle Givens, Anthony Shelley Jr., Mia Shelley, Tyrel Williams Jr., Levi Williams, and Jhene Allen.

God knew he could trust his daughter to be a godly example of motherhood, so he blessed her with two children and a godson, to love and train up in the things of God. She was the finest example of a family matriarch…a strong, independent woman who raised her children with the help of and her trust in the Lord.  True wisdom and love she possessed as she lovingly provided for their needs (the best she could), according to their individual and varied needs.  She requested nothing more from them than their best attempts at being who she raised them to be and who God called them to be… people who loved and trusted in God and people of integrity, strength, a strong work ethic, and steadfast love for the family. These were traits that she learned from her grandmother and mother whom she greatly loved, and these are the qualities that have been passed down to her children and grandchildren.  Vanessa was a family-first person who remained surrounded by her children and grandchildren.  She loved each of them in her own special way and reassured them of her love through her many sacrificial acts of love, kindness, and gentleness towards them all. 

Vanessa, affectionately called Banelt by her siblings, was known to be the quietest of all of Rosie Lee’s six children.  The strength and power of her quiet demeanor and tranquil nature provided the calm balance needed whenever the family came together for gatherings and celebrations; however, when they were all together, she talked just as fast as they did and when she found something funny, her loud and boisterous laughter blended in with everyone else in the family. For those who truly knew her, Banelt was an undercover comedian who had the gift and freedom to find humor in anything.  On many occasions, she was heard making funny, yet sarcastic, comments under her breath or giving unseen side-eye glances towards people.  Her siblings and those close to her took delight in seeing this side of her personality.  Each one of them will forever treasure and hold close to their hearts fond thoughts and loving memories of times shared and the many moments of hysterical laughter they had with their beloved sister: Brenda Reid, Curtis Townsend, Angela Townsend, Eunice Townsend, and Patricia Street.

Vanessa’s 11 nieces and nephews also take great pleasure in loving memories of their Aunt Nelt: Domonic Townsend, Kevin Townsend, Devin Townsend, Linwood Reid, Mikala Townsend, ShyAnne Salfarlie, Cameron Johnson, Devante Townsend, and Kurtisha Miller. Vanessa shared a special relationship with her nephew, Vasean Townsend (Arshae), and a cherished bond with her niece, Tiara Townsend, who lovingly called her Aunt Nelkums. 

Vanessa also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and friends to cherish her memories.

Vanessa’s favorite place to be was in the house of the Lord where she served as an usher, missionary, and Sunday school teacher.  She was always willing to serve in any capacity where there was a need.  Her last message preached was Get Your House in Order. She was a most faithful member, serving at Nehemiah 6:3 Faith Builders Ministry for over 20 years.  She cherished, loved, honored, and highly respected bishop and First Lady Parker, as well as her church family. 

Vanessa’s weapon of warfare was her armor of humility as she was the embodiment of simplicity, humbleness, and meekness.  She was anointed with the undeniable power to bring down defenses which gave her entrance to sow into the lives of the many people she was blessed to encounter.  She possessed a gentle strength that allowed people to be comfortable, free, transparent, and open to her life-giving word of support, encouragement, and hope.  She was also a plain-speaking and no-nonsense person who quickly defended God’s command for a relationship with him, for a life of holiness, and for true spirituality.

Vanessa’s other pasttimes and pleasures were reading God’s word, listening to gospel music, cooking for her family, watching cooking shows, shopping for purses, playing games on her phone, sitting under the big tree by her house, and taking long rides. 

Vanessa was a diligent, loyal, and committed employee at Dentsply Siron, formerly known as L.D. Caulk, for 22 years. 

Vanessa passionately loved the Lord and always reminded others that God makes no mistakes and that God knows best.  These truths bring great comfort to the hearts of her family and friends as they find peace in knowing that she transitioned to the very place she lived her life to go, her heavenly home where she now lives forever in the presence of her Lord and King and for all eternity with her mother whom she greatly missed.

Vanessa was treasured by those who passed before her: Pearl Pitts (grandmother), Gene Williams (father), David Joynes (grandfather), Herman Williams Sr. (grandfather), Ella Rosalee and Mannon Townsend (great-grandparents), Margaret Pitts (aunt), Helena Davis (aunt), Shanee Townsend (niece), and her most beloved, special and loving mother, Rosie Lee Townsend.  

On that glorious Sunday morning, Vanessa quietly and peacefully slept her way into her Heavenly Father’s waiting arms where she was welcomed home with the promised words she lived her life to hear, “Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant.”

A funeral service will be Saturday, Feb. 12, at noon, with a viewing two hours prior to service at Nehemiah 6:3 Faith Builders Ministry, Lincoln.  

Professional services entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services Inc. Camden.