Vanessa Mae Johnson

It is an honor to take a moment to tell you about the life of an incredible woman whom we had the pleasure to call Mom. Her life was one that should be celebrated and remembered as one filled with love and laughter.

My Mom always said that she was a firecracker as a young adult. She continued to be just as fiery until her last days. My Mom gave birth to 5 children, Parnell, James, Tammy, Benjamin, and (the baby) Tadashi. She was always willing to be an “unofficial” foster parent. She had many “bonus” children. Every one of them referring to her as Mom or Momma Nessa. She was quick to welcome anyone who came to her door with a warm hug, a big smile, infectious laugh, and a plate full of food. It is no surprise people were drawn to her. She was a nursing assistant at a skilled nursing facility. I remember going to work with her several times. Seeing the care that she rendered to her patients warmed my heart. Her patients and the staff loved her. They beamed with excitement when she entered the room. Her presence was always warm and inviting. She continued her caregiver role in her family life. She cared for her mother, mother in law, sister, and neighbors as they were ailing. Mom was always willing to give a helping hand. She did not shy away from personal sacrifice.

Happiness was a big theme in my Mom’s life. She would find that happiness with Norman Isaiah Jackson. He was her husband of more than ten years. He preceded her in death. He also blessed her with two love children, Norman Isaiah Jackson (Ike) and Angela whom she loved as her own.

I will miss her hugs, her beautiful laugh, her style, her love, and her sense of family. We must take comfort in the thought that we will see her again. As my Mother would say “never say goodbye . . . it’s see you later if the Lord says the same.