Vana Jean Tealer

Born in Denver, Colorado, on June 19, 1959, Vana spent her life devoted to loving her family, nurturing meaningful relationships, and caring deeply for those around her. She most recently returned to Aurora, Colorado, in October 2025, where she was settling back into her community and faith family.

Vana was known for her kindness, honesty, strength, and quiet sense of humor, and for the way she made people feel seen, safe, and loved. Those closest to her will remember her love for simple joys — meaningful conversations, family time, church, road trips, and trips to the Original Pancake House — as well as her straightforward nature and ability to speak truth with love.

Her faith was an important part of her life. She was a member of Word of Life Christian Center and lived out her beliefs through compassion, forgiveness, and a steadfast commitment to loving others well.

Vana demonstrated remarkable strength throughout her life, particularly through personal loss and life transitions, meeting each season with perseverance, grace, and faith.

She is survived by her sons, Nicholas and Jamil, and her brother, Patrick Smith, as well as her friends and church family, including Charisse, April, and Jesika. She was preceded in death by her mother, Darlene; her mother-in-law, Jewel; and her husband, Michael.

Her life was marked by faith, love, and devotion, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.