Vanessa Denise Smith was born on June 18, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri, to DeWitt and Lula Mae Smith. Vanessa was the only girl and the first city-born child of this blended family. She grew up as the baby girl of the house with two much older brothers initially. She lived with four brothers until the older two left for the military. After her parents’ marriage dissolved, she became the oldest child and big sister to two younger brothers. Vanessa loved being a big sister who looked after, cared for, and protected her giant-sized little brothers. She became a mother in November 1970, and all her educational plans and living arrangements included her one and only son.

Vanessa received her education in the St. Louis Public School District and represented Sumner High School on the track field. She attended Forest Park Community College of St. Louis for specific courses in Business Administration. Vanessa last attended Tarkio College in University City, Missouri, in 1987 for Funeral Services. She loved her time visiting family in Kankakee, Illinois, as well as family in California, Memphis, and Atlanta. She had a passion for helping anyone in need of food, advice, a smile, laughter, encouragement, support, or just to hear the pleasantry of her voice. Vanessa had a fun spirit, and to know her was to love her singing. She always stayed connected to music, playing the piano from childhood, singing in church, attending concerts, performing in local bands, and singing happy birthday to everyone. Vanessa sang and danced throughout her active life.

She moved to Dallas, Texas, to welcome the arrival of her newest and first Texas-born grandchild in 2008. Her health improved with over a hundred pounds of weight loss and a significant reduction in daily required medications. Vanessa loved her move to Dallas and felt right at home being herself. She became known as the “Church Lady” or “St. Louis” to those in her Dallas community. She loved to dress up in her gowns, wear multiple rings, chains, and earrings, all while sporting her bright, spirited smile. Vanessa was living her best life, living and traveling independently. She traveled with all her grandchildren to Disney World, on island cruises, and to resorts abroad. Vanessa lived a wonderful life in Dallas, Texas, for 16 years, surrounded by family, church family, and friends.

Vanessa understood Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior early in life, which was consistent with her household and family origins from Mississippi. Her first standout identity was within a prestigious Black church boasting over 200 years of continuous service today. She was educated in Sunday school, ushered, sang in the choir, and was actively involved in church throughout the week. On April 22, 1962, she was baptized at First Baptist Church in St. Louis, MO, where she publicly declared her faith and a new life in Christ. Vanessa moved her membership from her brother-pastored New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri. In 2008, she transferred her

membership to St. Luke Community United Methodist Church (SLCUMC) in Dallas, Texas, with her son’s family. She was a member of the SLCUMC Sunrise Choir and attended Gertrude Francis Adult Sunday School for years, affectionately known as "St. Louis." Her St. Luke choir ministry and adult Sunday school ministry provided support throughout her life with cards, letters, visits, and prayers. St. Luke Community continues to support Vanessa by nurturing and supporting her son’s family.

She departed this life on May 18, 2025, at 9:40 a.m. in a nursing facility with hospice care in Dallas, TX. She leaves to cherish her memories: son Eric Smith (Jacqueline); grandchildren Alysha Smith, Cianna Smith, Kelsie Smith, Kynnedi Smith, and Klayten Smith; one brother, Reverend Bernard Blount; three sisters-in-law, Geraldine Smith, Linda Smith, and Sinnie Blount; seven nieces, Daphne Blount, Angela Blount, Ila Blount, Bernadette Blount, Carlandria Hayes, Nia Smith, and Erica Smith; two nephews, Henry Blount Jr. and Carl S. Smith Jr.; many friends; and a church family.

Family who preceded her in death include her beloved parents, DeWitt and Lula Mae Smith; brothers Henry B. Blount, Reverend Carl S. Smith Sr., and Timothy P. Smith; as well as several special family members.