Vanessa C. Howard's Obituary
Vanessa C. Howard - January 6, 1964, to August 27, 2024,
Vanessa Howard, born in Bedford, VA, 60, left this earth and entered her heavenly home on August 27th surrounded by her family and friends. She fought breast cancer like a warrior for eight years. She was a member of Farmington Presbyterian Church in Germantown, TN and active in her church by dedicating many hours of service to the community and teaching Sunday School for years.
Vanessa was employed by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for 38 years as a Nurse Practitioner. She was a talented preceptor and enjoyed sharing her knowledge with new Nurses and Nurse Practitioners. She touched so many lives during that time that it is too numerous to count. Her patients’ health victories brought her joy, and she was by the families’ sides to bring them comfort. She loved her job, and her career was a passion, as evident to all who her knew her. Her trips to the beach, watching birds with her Husband, cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends gave her endless pleasure.
She leaves the love of her life Tony Howard, whom she was married to for 36 years; her son Drew, the sunshine of her life whom she adored. She also leaves her mother and father, Linda and Wayne Allen, brothers Fred (Donna) Collier and James (April) Allen, one niece and two great nephews. Also, her father-in-law, Anthony Howard. She was blessed with many friendships and loved by so many. Her work family meant the world to her. Tootsie Totes, her precious rescue dog, gave her such comfort for the last two years.
Preceding her in death were many loved family members including her mother-in-law, Mary Howard.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, September 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38119.
The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Farmington Presbyterian Church, 8245 Farmington Blvd, Germantown, TN, 38139.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Shelby County Humane Society, Farmington Presbyterian Church of Germantown, Tennessee, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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