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.
Condolences(9)-
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Audrea Johnson says
July 28, 2020 at 1:34 amMy 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 ????????????????
Audrea Johnson says
July 28, 2020 at 2:03 amOur ????????♀️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 ????????????????????????????????????
Katina Hayes says
July 28, 2020 at 2:48 pmVanessa (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.
Glenda says
July 29, 2020 at 11:29 amWe 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
Cousin Reggie Elliott says
July 30, 2020 at 2:58 am“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 ????????
Cousin Sincere says
July 30, 2020 at 3:04 amRIP and I’ll light a candle for you cuz. Cousin Sincere Divine (Rodney)
Reginald Elliott says
July 30, 2020 at 11:00 pmRIP 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 ????????????
Grady Brown, Jr. says
August 1, 2020 at 8:45 amHattie, 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!!.
Jeneen Selden says
August 1, 2020 at 4:00 pmOn 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 ❤️????????