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| Vanessa Countee |
A DC Public Schools colleague died last Friday. Her name was Vanessa Countee. I always loved her smile, southern drawl and country charm. I fondly remember her regular greeting of "Hey Gurl !" Vanessa battled a long term illness, which she kept private. While I knew she had been sick, I wished I would have known how serious her condition was so our work group could have done more and bid our last good byes.
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. This is why it is so important to live life to the fullest so we don't have any regrets in the end. Tell those that matter that you care about them, while they are still here. Miss you Vanessa Gurl! Rest in peace, my friend. Vanessa's funeral will be held this Friday. (obituary below).
VANESSA FAYE COUNTEE
Vanessa Faye Countee peacefully entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 27, 2012. She was the daughter of deceased William and Helen Jones; sister of Jonathan Jones (Valerie), Adrian Jones (Sylvia) of Atlanta, GA and Monica Moore of Los Angeles, CA. Cherishing her memories are ex-husband, Roniotis Thomas of Washington, DC; two step-daughters, Angel and Alexis; four nephews, Jelani, Jabari, Micaiah and Malik; and one niece, Pedra.
Vanessa was a Social Worker for the DC Public School System and Premium Select Home Care. She was employed by Georgetown University Hospital. She received her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology at Talladega College where she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. She received her Master's Degree in Social Work at Howard University.
The homegoing service will be held at Mount Cavalry Baptist Church, 5120 Whitfield Chapel Road, Lanham, MD 20706, Friday, August 3, viewing from 10 to 11 a.m.; Service starting promptly at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Ft. Lincoln Cemetery. The repast will follow at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Services entrusted to J.B. Jenkins Funeral Homes, Inc., Landover, Maryland.
Wow I knew she had been ill, but she continued to work and smile. Candi, thanks once again for all that you do to keep us informed in good and bad times. You do so much for the Profession of Social Work and DCPS.
ReplyDeleteRock on Vanessa!
Anna
I enjoyed working with Vanessa several years ago at Sousa MS @Shadd. She was a pleasure to work with and she was dedicated to her profession. My prayers go out to her family during this time of grief. May Vanessa rest in everlasting peace.
ReplyDeleteDSorrell
When I first met Vanessa in the early 90's, I was so impreesed with her. She was intelligent, caring, professional and hillarious. Secretly, I said to myself, "I want to be like her." Hence, my journey began and now I see those characteristics in me. So THANK YOU VANESSA for inspiring me and making me laugh throughout the years.....The saying I remember most from you is "Um tellin you (in your country voice)". YOU WILL BE MISSED! Much Love to the family & keep her legacy of generousity alive. PEACE!
ReplyDeleteA very close friend of (Hugely successful much like Vanessa) said to me..."If it wasn't for Vanessa, I would not be where I am today". This is powerful and it perfectly describes who she was as a person.. a woman of integrity, dignity and outstanding character. She will be greatly missed everyday for the rest of my life. Such a gorgeous and graceful lady with an extremely positive outlook on life, love and the progression to move forward in spite of obstacles and challenges. She too spoke this once..."In a failure there is a gift..Believe in yourself". It is surreal to know that her warm and thoughtful body has departed this earth..and as Bishop David T.P. Perrin and others often said during her service and eulogy.."Vanessa was always the first to greet you with a smile." Charming and hilarious. Her memories will live on forever in my heart. I truly can hear her voice saying. "Hey gurl" and "I love you too".
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that I did not know about this earlier. Ms Countee was a classy lady and I will miss her. She will always be an angel watching over those she touched. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteVery nice post!
ReplyDeleteIt is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
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