Vannessa R. Waddell

Minister Vannessa R. Waddell, age 54, of Marianna, Florida went home to be with the Lord on Monday May 9, 2016 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in Tallahassee, Florida.

Minister Waddell was born on July 1, 1961 in Marianna, Florida. She was the daughter of Pastor Margaret Robinson and the late James Robinson, Jr. and the youngest of six siblings.

On December 29, 1984, she married her soul mate, Pastor Orenza Waddell, Jr. in Marianna, Florida. She graduated from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1984.

In 1985, she began her employment with the State of Florida.  After 30 years of dedicated employment, she retired in 2015.  She was also actively involved in ministry, working tirelessly to better the lives of others.

Vannessa loved life and loved bringing joy and laughter to others.  She was highly intelligent and inspiring.  She innately pursued everything with a spirit of excellence.  She could be demanding, but that was a derivate of her desire for all to do and be their best.  She influenced for the better anyone who interacted with her over an extended period of time.

Vannessa was an avid sports fan.  When she conversed about sports, her in depth knowledge of the subject became apparent.  She loved the Andy Griffith show and the simplicity of life that it represented.  She knew the value of laughter and its richness to the soul.

It goes without saying, that Vannessa’s husband, Orenza, and her children, Orean and Arianna, were here heart.  She especially loved her children and did everything in her power to provide for them and install proper values in them. She loved family and was always in tune with family matters.

Minister Vannessa Waddell was preceded in death by her father, James Robinson, Jr.; brother, Marvin Robinson; father-in-law, Reverend Orenza Waddell, Sr.  She is survived by her husband, Pastor Orenza Waddell, Jr.; her children, Orean and Arianna Waddell; mother, Pastor Margaret Robinson; sisters, Mary Darvehn, Teresa Alexander (Vernon), and Minister Margaret Clark (Michael); brother, Apostle Terry Robinson; mother-in-law, Mary Waddell; numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, other family members, friends, church members, and the family dog, Yippie.

Vannessa had a special place in her heart for her dear friends Patricia Wilson, Toni Peacock, Minister Reginald Taylor, and Willie Mitchell. She loved them dearly, and their friendship enriched her life. Her Total Vision Ministries family was also near and dear to her.  Each Sunday, she looked forward to having the privilege to worship and fellowship with them.

Our lives were truly blessed by the fact that the Lord allowed Vannessa to tarry with us for a time and season.

Funeral services will be held Saturday May 14, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at the Rivertown Community Church in Marianna, Florida.

Minister Waddell will be laid to rest in Holyneck Cemetery on Holyneck Lane in Marianna under the directions of Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville, Florida.

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