Vanessa Dale Gayle, 73, of Mount Vernon, New York, peacefully departed this life on Friday, August 21, 2026, at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Vanessa was born on July 26, 1953, in Martinsville, Virginia, to the late Essie M. Spicely. She was the youngest of four children. As a teenager, Vanessa left Martinsville and moved to Mount Vernon, New York, the city she would call home for the remainder of her life. It was there that she built her life, raised her family, worked, formed lifelong friendships, and created countless memories with those she loved.

In addition to her mother, Vanessa was preceded in death by her brother, Alphonso Martin.

Vanessa worked many years as a secretary for the Board of Education. While she was dedicated to her work, there was never any question about what mattered most to her: her family.

If you knew Vanessa, you knew how deeply she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her children were the center of her heart, and being a mother was one of the greatest joys of her life. She took great pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured the moments she shared with them.

She also knew how to enjoy life. Vanessa loved playing bingo and cards and could often be found watching her favorite television show, Family Feud.

Those who knew and loved her will remember her smile, her humor, her strength, and most of all, the unmistakable love she had for her family.

Vanessa leaves to cherish her memory, her father, McKinley Spicely; her sons, Christopher Heflin (Dionne), Joseph Heflin, and Rodney Solomon; her daughter, Shasta (Heflin) Carmichael; her sister, Mae Frances Wright; her brother, James Green; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and loved ones.

Vanessa will be laid to rest at Carver Memorial Gardens in Martinsville, Virginia on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 2:30PM.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.