Vanessa Colley

April 30, 1953 - May 2, 2022

On April 30, 1953 in Talladega, Alabama, James Perkins, Jr. and Susie Mae Morris Perkins welcomed to the world a beautiful bubbly baby girl and gave her the name Vanessa. At an early age, Vanessa committed her to life Christ and united with New Hope United Methodist Church where she was a faithful servant of God working and worshipping diligently until later in life deciding to amalgamate with Word of Life. Vanessa loved the Lord and enjoyed being a dedicated worker in his vineyard until her health began to fail. Vanessa's formal education was received in the Talladega City School System where she attended Westside High School and was a graduate of Talladega High School. Vanessa was destined to become an educator when she enrolled at Talladega College earning her Bachelor of Arts degree and later received her Master's degree from Jacksonville State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education specializing in Science. She was an educator for many years in the Talladega County School System, teaching at Jonesview Elementary, Sycamore and Phyllis Wheatley to name a few. She loved education, but her passion was teaching, loving and taking care of children. Vanessa received the Certificate of Completion in 2009 from Seraaj Family Homes. She was also active in her community and was a member of Sigma Gama Rho. Along Vanessa's 69-year journey, she became the devoted mother of three loving children, Rapheal, Stacey and LaKitha. Her love for children was demonstrated when she became the bonus mom for Haley, Madison, Hannah, Kaila, Jennifer and Steven. One of her most prized possessions was her pet Shih Tzu. In Vanessa's spare time, she enjoyed cutting grass and spending recreational time with her children. Affectionately known as "Van", Vanessa always carried a vibrant smile that would light up any room and had a very sweet spirit and kind heart. On the morning of Monday, May 2, 2022, after 69 blessed years on this earthly journey, God called for Vanessa to accept her heavenly wings and board the train to glory while surrounded by loved ones in the consolation of her home. She welcomed home by loved ones that had gone before her including her parents, James Perkins, Jr. and Susie Perkins, and niece, Ola Simmons. Vanessa leaves to cherish her loving memories three loving children, Rapheal "Nukie" (Patrice) Morris, Stacey (Danielle Hall) Colley and LaKitha "Keet" (LaDarrius Stone) Colley; six bonus children, Haley Colley, Madison Colley, Hannah Colley, Kala Colley, Jennifer Colley and Steven Colley; five grandchildren, Sharice "Poodie" Morris, Joy Morris, Taliyah "Tanka Bell" Porter, Caleb Morris and Ke'Marrius Kirksey; three great-grandchildren, Kayden Morris, Kacen Morris and Braylen Woodard; Vanessa's bonus baby, A'lon Sky Kirksey; one brother, Frank Allen Morris; two special nephews, Ernest "Spoodle" Scales and William "Bop" Scales; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.