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Vanessa A. Britt


Sunrise: January 4, 1961

Sunset: July 23, 2020

Vanessa Ann Britt, affectionally known to her family as “Baba” peacefully departed this earthly life into eternal rest after a lengthy fight with Kidney Failure on Wednesday, July 23, 2020, in Portsmouth, VA.  Vanessa was born to Hattie M. “Britt” Taylor and the late William E. Britt on January 4, 1961 in Norfolk, VA.  Vanessa believed and accepted Jesus Christ as her Personal Savior at an early age while attending Central Baptist Church in Washington, DC.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Robert Kelsey and Pauline “Mason” Britt, Marvin Jackson, Sr., her uncle, Robert L. Britt, and her devoted partner Larry Thorne.

Vanessa grew up in Washington, DC and graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt Senior High School’s Class of 1980/81. She was employed at the U.S. Department of State, in Washington, DC where she worked as a passport clerk. Vanessa also lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts for a short while to be close to her sister, Alfreida.

Once Alfreida moved from Boston in 1988, Vanessa returned to the Maryland area and lived briefly with her mother. Later, she moved back to Tidewater and lived with her grandmother, Pearlene Wilson – the two became inseparable, they enjoyed each other especially the cooking part. She moved to Portsmouth and was employed at the Portsmouth Police Department as a 911 operator.  Cooking was one of Vanessa’s favorite hobbies. She could bake homemade biscuits from scratch and emulated her mother’s old-fashioned banana pudding. She loved to crochet, watch cooking shows, talk about old times and listen to 60s, 70s classic music as well as traditional gospel. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was her favorite music group.  Vanessa often reminded us of her grandma Pauline, they were so much alike in so many ways.

Vanessa enjoyed spending time with her nephew, Lonnell, and niece, Janel. Trips to the amusement parks and beaches were the highlight of their summers. They were the loves of her life.

Vanessa’s courageous fight began in 2009. Her faith grew tremendously during these times where she relied on God for her strength until she was called back home. Her mother Hattie was the wind beneath her wings, especially during these times.  Vanessa had a strong support system that included her local uncles, aunts and cousins as well as her special friends.

Vanessa worshipped with her mother and stepfather at First Baptist Church of South Hill, in Chesapeake, VA. as well as various outreach ministries. During the past two years, she engaged in virtual services and teachings at WellSpring of Life Ministries, under the leadership of Pastor Alfreida Edelen, located in Upper Marlboro, MD where she received spiritual nourishment and guidance.

Vanessa leaves celebrating the memories of her life, her mother Hattie M. “Britt” Taylor (Thomas) and sister, Alfreida R. “Britt” Edelen (James) both of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; grandmother, Pearlene J. Wilson of Suffolk, Virginia (98),  1-nephew, Lonnell D. Britt ; 2-great nephews, Lonnell and Cordell, 1-niece, Janel R. Edelen; 5-aunts. Pearlie Mae, Verbeatean (Joe), Frances (George), Deborah (Louis) and Kirsten. 1-great-great aunt, Inell Stith (104), 1 uncle, Marvin Jackson, Jr., A cousin who she shared a special bond with, McKinley Hockaday; 6-special friends, Douglas, Mike, CeCe, Beatrice, Kim, and Reggie.

Viewing Saturday, August 1, 2020 10:00am - 2:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Saturday, August 1, 2020 2:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service Portsmouth Chapel The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance

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Condolences(9)

  1. reply
    Audrea Johnson says

    My deepest condolences to Britt family. Vanessa left us Way too soon…But hold on to God unchanging hand and he will see you through. Lean on God and he will give you strength, my prayers go out to Britt family, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends that are hurting lean on the Lord, he is an ever present help in our time of sorrow. Family just know Vanessa is in perfect peace, even as we mourn her absence. Love cousin Minister Audrea Johnson Hockaday ????????????????

  2. reply
    Audrea Johnson says

    Our ????????‍♀️RIP ????fly away and ????in God heaven gates. Know you will be truly miss in Britt and Hockaday Family all over east, west, south and north. Love you cousins Betty Banks, Audrea Johnson, Sabrina Patterson and Kimberly Reynolds ????????????????????????????????????

  3. reply
    Katina Hayes says

    Vanessa (Bae bae), you will be in our hearts and on our minds forever.. Our hearts would want you here with us but we know you are now in a much better place. No more pain or worries. We’ll miss your smiling face and your culinary skills. Our memories of you will last a lifetime!

    With much love
    Aunt Mae
    Cousins Katina, Craig, Mica, Michael and Laila
    Kent Jr.

  4. reply
    Glenda says

    We are deeply sadden about the loss of our cousin, BaBa. My heart will continue to be filled with the wonderful memories of joyful times we spent together…very precious memories.
    Our thoughts and prayers go out to our entire family. We love you BaBa…rest peacefully.
    The Britt Family ~~ Glenda, Marvin, Patrice and Lil Marvin

  5. reply
    Cousin Reggie Elliott says

    “BaBa” You Gone To Soon, your smile, laugh, presents at family gathers ( North Carolina ) and around Portsmouth will be miss. Cousin RIP and now the family will be strong with God help. I will always “Love You ,” Reginald Elliott Hockaday ????????

  6. reply
    Cousin Sincere says

    RIP and I’ll light a candle for you cuz. Cousin Sincere Divine (Rodney)

  7. reply
    Reginald Elliott says

    RIP cuz I’m miss your smile and love you pull out to others. The family will always keep memories of you in our heart. Love You Always Cousin Reggie ????????????

  8. reply
    Grady Brown, Jr. says

    Hattie, Please know that you are in our hearts as you face the sadness and grief in the loss of your daughter Vanessa. My thoughts and prayers with you. I’m sure the love and memories of Vanessa will strengthen you through these day. God Bless you and your family. Such a beautiful daughter!!.

  9. reply
    Jeneen Selden says

    On behalf of the Carr family:
    To our family, Tom, Hattie and all those who love Vanessa,
    We am saddened to hear of Vanessa’s passing and we pray for your strength during this difficult time. You all loved her and her life, love and legacy will never be forgotten. Be blessed and know we are here for you today and always ❤️????????

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