Vannessa Brown was born in Washington D.C. on July 10, 1960, to Edgar and Mary Woolen. She passed away on March 31, 2025. Vanessa (retired Federal Program Management Analyst for the Office of Personnel Management) is survived by her loving husband, Vance Brown Sr., and their four children: Shawn, Derrick Sr., Vance Jr., and Rasheem (adopted), as well as their cherished daughter, Tarani.
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Ryan, Aaliyah, Chase, Tyreek, Johnathan, Jalesa (Grand daughter-in-law), KeKe, Greg Jr., Jamal, Valerie, Alicia, Derrick Jr., Baby G, Dom, Edgar, Serenity, Niaara, Joseph, Devany, Shamia, JaShaun, Julian, and Ja'Korri, and her great-grandchildren: Jordan, Jax, and Jada.
Vannessa also leaves behind her Uncle Boo, sisters Debbie and Marceen, and brothers Pete, Judge, and Larry. Her nieces Janea, Keniethia, Ciara, Ebony,  A'Kiya and nephews Darnzeil, Boo, Antony, and KJ, along with a host of cousins and great-nieces and nephews, will forever remember her.
Vannessa was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and an aunt. She embraced each role with grace and dedication, becoming what we needed her to be. She was a learner, a mentor, a best friend, a nurturer, a role model, and a beacon of light. Vanessa embodied every meaning of the word "inspirational," and her memory will continue to inspire us all.