Vanessa Ashley Staten

Vanessa was the baby of four daughters, gifted to John and Enora “Jackie” Staten. Her home town was Queens, New York where she grew up with her sisters, aunts and close cousins. “Nessa” as she is affectionately known by her friends and family graduated from Millbrook High school and attended Wake Tech Community College.

Vanessa grew up in New York with her parents Enora and John Staten Jr. and sisters Kim, Sonia and Angel along with aunts and several other cousins. Vanessa moved to Raleigh, North Carolina with her mother and father in 1989. She observed her mother Enora show abundant love and care for a multitude of children over the years and found that she had a natural talent for being the “Baby Whisperer”. Vanessa eventually became a child care giver herself and changed the lives of many children as she used her natural ability to love and nurture their young lives as they matured. Vanessa has received praise, accolades and awards for her outstanding years of child care and leaves a bevy of broken hearted families and children to mourn.

Vanessa was a daughter, sister, friend, aunt, cousin and champion to many. Her connection with children went beyond simply caregiver and child; she would earn their trust and love. Vanessa never met a stranger. Vanessa shared her home, material possessions and her heart with friends and family. She would give her last to a stranger if they needed help. She was well known for her love of Pink, pearls and monograms, as they were her staples and accents to many aspects of her life. She was known as the “fashionista” and was the life of the party wherever she went, she will be greatly missed.

Vanessa is preceded in death by her loving Mother, Enora “Jackie” Staten whom she affectionately called “Nor-Nor”. Vanessa’s mother was her heart. Her mother’s death, exactly five months ago, had taken a devastating toll on her and the family. We are comforted in knowing they are together and resting with God.

Vanessa is survived by her father John Staten Jr. of Raleigh, her sisters Kim Staten-N’doye of Raleigh, Sonia Hill (Michael) of Coram NY, Ayuna “Angel” King of Raleigh, her nephews and nieces; Kameron, Isaac, Resean (Heather), Ariel (Timothy), Michael Jr., Gerlisa, Onjalae and a host of great nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles and close friends. Vanessa also leaves a multitude of friends and people that she has touched over her short life and they meant the world to her. She was greatly loved and will be sorely missed.

Vanessa was blessed by her friendships with Jamie Mitchell, Timisha Springer, Ayuna King, Nia Canady, Shamiar Daye and Kamisha Cross who stayed by her side through her illness and hospital stays. She was also blessed by the many friends and family who supported her in so many unconditional ways. They brought happiness and sunshine into her life daily. During her last days and months their kindness, love, help, phone calls, presence and unconditional spirits made her life complete.

Our Nessa was one of a kind, the hole that her passing has left is unfathomable. We are devastated at losing her at such a young age with so much of her life left to live. Our only comfort is in knowing the fact that Mommy and Vanessa are now embracing each other in the kingdom of God and Nessa is healed and free.