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Obituary For Vanessa C. Williams
Vanessa Dorothy Cooper Williams passed away unexpectedly at WakeMed Cary Hospital on Sunday morning, June 25, 2023 in Cary, North Carolina, at the age of 61.
Vanessa is survived by her beloved husband of 36 years, Eric Randall Williams, and her sons, Joshua Alexander Williams and Justin Blake Williams. They reside at their family home in Cary, North Carolina. She is also survived by her two sisters, Sylvia Cooper Gatewood and Anne Cooper Woolfolk from Virginia Beach, Virginia, along with two brothers in law, their families, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Kathryn Cooper of Short Gap, West Virginia, and her Father and Mother-in-law, Reverend J.B. and Mrs. Irene Williams of Clifton Forge, Virginia.
Vanessa was born on October 10th, 1961, in Clifton Forge, Virginia to Clarence and Kathryn Cooper. She graduated Valedictorian from Clifton Forge High School in 1980. She later graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Computer Science, and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Biostatistics from The Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. She married Eric Williams, her high school sweetheart, an Electrical Engineer in 1987. After moving to New Jersey and then to Cary, North Carolina, Vanessa worked for various pharmaceutical companies as a Principal Biostatistician. The couple welcomed two sons into their home, Joshua and Justin, and set about teaching them the love of the Lord. Her children remember her as a kind, gentle, patient, driven, and fun mother, who encouraged them to pursue their goals.
Vanessa enjoyed her baking, sewing, playing the piano, and keeping her boys straight. She also loved to spend time with her family, traveling together across the country for vacations, and enjoying movie nights almost every weekend. She was a generous, witty, dedicated, kindhearted individual who loved Jesus and her Family, and was passionate about the health and welfare of others. Growing up she was an active and dedicated member of the Clifton Forge First Baptist Church and often volunteered as a Sunday School and Bible School teacher. Vanessa also loved to get together with her friends from around the area and from the various pharmaceutical companies she had worked with, to see one another to catch up on old times.
Her funeral is scheduled for Friday July 7th at 11 AM, with a viewing to begin at 10 AM at Calvary Chapel of Cary, with a reception to be determined soon. Pastor Rodney Finch Sr. of Calvary Chapel of Cary will officiate the ceremony and Rev David Jones of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church will give comments. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Vanessa’s life and transition to her eternal life with Our Lord.
Early in the morning you slipped away
Bound for Glory and there to stay
Tenderly God called that hour
For you to join His Heavenly Choir
The victory’s yours; you’ve won the race
We’ll not forget your smiling face
You will always be loved, needed, adored
But now our Master needs you more
-Anonymous
Condolences can be sent to https://tricefuneralhome.com/. Live Stream will be available the day of the service through the Calvary Chapel of Cary website, to view the service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association, the Red Cross Association or St Jude. The family would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt prayers.
Burial: Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1621 NC 55 in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.
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Beautiful Dreams was sent for Vanessa C. Williams - July 05, 2023
Vivid Recollections was sent for Vanessa C. Williams - July 05, 2023
Qiming Liao sent America the Beautiful for Vanessa C. Williams - July 05, 2023
Gone from our sight, but never from our heart. May you rest in peace.
Yongwei Wang sent Serene Lily Basket for Vanessa C. Williams - July 04, 2023
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Vanessa. I was deeply saddened to hear of their loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Bart Charity sent Sweet Moments for Vanessa C. Williams - July 04, 2023
My condolences to the Williams Family. God will grant you the strength to carry on in Vanessa's memory. Sincerely, Bart Charity
Beautiful Dreams was sent for Vanessa C. Williams - July 02, 2023
Ocean Breeze Spray was sent for Vanessa C. Williams - July 02, 2023
Condolences Brother and Nephews, 🙏 I didn't add my name. Sister Gigi
Vanessa closed her eyes and woke up in Heaven. She was passing through and now in her eternal Home with Jesus and all our family. Eric, my brother, treated Vanessa as his Queen. She was a great Wife, Mother and loved her family ❤️ I didn't see her alot but enjoyed our time with family together when I did. I dreamed of her the night of her passing. Beautiful smile and looked so happy. I will keep in touch with you more. May God comfort you, Eric, Josh and Justin 🙏❤️🙏 "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." (Matt 5:4) 🙏
It's been many years since I've been in contact with Eric or Vanessa since my days at Old Dominion, but I'd like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family. I know Vanessa will be missed. May your good memories of her give you strength during this time. Toni King
I want pass on our deepest condolences to uncle Eric, his sons Joshua and Justin during this difficult time. May you all find comfort and healing with the fond memories of Vanessa, wife and mother in your hearts. Terry and Pam Harmon
Ms. Woolfolk, heartfelt condolences is extended to you and your family on the loss of your sister. May God provide you comfort during this time and the days ahead. Marcella Tucker
Ms. Woolfolk and the Williams Family
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mrs. J. Dukes
My condolences to the Williams family. I met Vanessa through our hairdresser. She was a sweet person and had a very sweet spirit. She will be missed. May God give her family comfort during this time.
Ms. Woolfolk, I am thinking of you and your family at this time. I pray the memories you have envelop you in a warm hug that comforts you. Love, Mrs.Murphey
Ms. Woolfolk, prayers of comfort to you and your family during this difficult time. I pray the love for your sister is forever carried in your memory.
Sending love, and condolences to the family (Eric, Joshua, Justin and sisters Ann and Sylvia) of my dear friend Vanessa during this difficult time. I'm gonna miss my friend. Although it is a very difficult time, I have to remind myself that we didn't come here to stay. Vanessa's passing has taught me, to pick up the phone when I am thinking about people I love. I met Vanessa 37 years ago in NJ after coming back to work following a 6 month maternity leave. Another friend at work introduced us and from that day on we became and remained friends over the years. We connected from Day 1 and would have lunch together most days. After the birth of my second child (Vanessa and Eric's god daughter Phylicia) and I returned back to work, Vanessa informed me that she had accepted another job in North Carolina and would be moving. That was a very difficult day when we had to say goodbye. We kept in touch and later Vanessa became a mother to Joshua and Justin and today our children are grown adults. Vanessa was a kind hearted person with a genuine gift of giving. She was very positive and always made you feel you could accomplish anything your heart desired and she was right. Because of her inspiration, I stepped out there in a new job role and did very well. Her positive energy, laughter, love for her family and caring ways is what I remember most. I will cherish the fond memories that we had and remember that smiling face. Eric, Joshua and Justin, and sisters Ann and Sylvia, may Vanessa's love, and fond memories sustain and comfort you in the days ahead. I will be praying for you during this very difficult time. William and Phylicia send their love. To my dear friend Vanessa, may our paths cross again. Love, peace and Light, Amanda
Rest in Gods Peace My friend.
Missing that warm smile..and All the hellos. You consistency elevated week. Will miss you forever. Tammy Larkins
I met Vanessa 37 years ago when Eric graduated ODU. I was able to attend their wedding a year later. She was a kind person, and she would always greet me with a smile, and a kind word. She will be missed.
To the family of Vanessa Williams- We are very sorry to hear about your loss. We are praying for your family. Remember Vanessa is resting in Jesus arms. Sincerely, Freddie Dawson Sr., Freddie Dawson Jr., Deborah, Eddie and Carlos Dawson.
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. I will pray that God will comfort you during your time of grief. She was a great friend every since the third grade. Ericka
I will miss my sister every moment of everyday! Tell everyone hello for me! Anne
My deepest condolences and prayers to Eric, Joshua, Justin, as well as sisters Sylvia and Ann. My sympathies to you all. I hope and pray for you during this very difficult time. May God grant you peace, serenity and His blessings
My condolences to Eric, Joshua, Justin and her sisters, Sylvia and Ann. Your loss is deeply felt by the rest of the family. I pray peace and comfort during this difficult time and the days ahead. Love, June
My condolences and prayers to the family. May God grant you peace during this difficult time. I will always remember the good times we had growing up. Love, Allison
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
