Vanessa Janelle "Nessa" (Moore) Williams

UTICA – Vanessa Janelle "Nessa" (Moore) Williams, age 34, passed away surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness on Monday, March 4, 2024. Though her departure leaves behind broken hearts, her spirit will continue to live on in the cherished memories she created with those she loved. Vanessa was born in Utica, New York, on October 5, 1989, to James E. Williams III and Rochelle Moore-Nichols. She attended Utica City Schools during her youth before relocating to Decatur, Georgia, where she enrolled at Columbia High School. Vanessa later returned to Utica where she earned her GED at the Utica BOCES in June of 2013. Upon Vanessa's return to Utica, she met Anthony Rivera, and they embarked on a 15-year journey together. Their commitment to each other and shared wisdom enriched their lives, creating cherished memories. Anthony will forever cherish Vanessa's rituals and the profound love they shared. Vanessa's career journey began as a Resident Care Assistant at Willow Park Home Health, where her dedication to meeting others' needs led to success. She then advanced to a promotion at the Rescue Mission, where she formed meaningful connections while working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. In March 2021, Vanessa transitioned to a position with New York State DDSO, where she continued her dedicated and compassionate work with individuals with developmental disabilities until her passing. Her unwavering commitment and caring approach left a lasting impact on those she served. Growing up, Vanessa loved playing Double Dutch with her friends and cousins. She also loved to sing. Her most recent favorite songs were Usher and HOVA “H 2 the O V.” MARCY PROJECTS!! Vanessa, also known as the “Pandora Queen,” always had a music playlist ready to lift spirits. Vanessa had a contagious laugh that would make you laugh so hard that you would forget what you were laughing about because you’d be caught up in the sound of her laughter. Vanessa was shy but not one to be played with, and despite her lively nature, Vanessa also had a reserved side. Always a “vibe seeker,” she would feed off whatever vibe people would throw out. Vanessa absolutely adored fall, especially because of Halloween - her absolute favorite holiday. She appreciated watching the leaves turn colors and the anticipation of getting ready for Halloween. Decorating her home with just the right décor was a joy for her, and she treasured every moment of binge-watching scary movies and going trick-or-treating with her daughters, creating lasting memories filled with meaning and love. Vanessa had a beautiful smile and she was a versatile individual. Reflecting on her caring and honest nature, she found joy on sunny and rainy days. She had an interest in astrology and the afterlife. As the cherished "photo queen" of the family, Vanessa often captured moments and created lasting memories with her loved ones. She enjoyed amusement parks, rides, and greasy food. Vanessa was a conservative, who stood on her business. Vanessa was passionate about food, but her mother’s cooking was the best. She recently enjoyed baking with her daughters, especially chocolate cakes. Vanessa also had a flair for hair, which created a unique bond with her sister. Vanessa had advantages in being the Guinea Pig. Vanessa’s tight bond with her mother and sister kept them in close contact all the time. Having a special time to catch up on their business and sometimes other people’s business was called “TEA TIME SESSIONS.” These cherished moments allowed them to catch up and bond without interruption. Vanessa had a special love for her grandmothers and enjoyed spending time with them. Times spent with her grandmother Frannie helped her develop her love for God. But her greatest love of all was her family. Anthony, Rayana, Myana, and Seleah. Vanessa leaves to mourn her mother, Rochelle Moore-Nichols, her father, James E/Hillary Williams, and her stepfather, James Nichols, who affectionately referred to her as his “Bear.” Her extended father Dion Pugh. She also leaves to mourn her significant other of 15 years, Anthony Rivera, and her beloved daughters, Rayana Haden, Myana Rivera, and Seleah Rivera. She leaves her maternal grandmother Francena Moore and paternal grandmothers Earlene Williams and Mary Nichols. Vanessa leaves to cherish her memories her siblings: Shahniqua “Shaneak” Moore, Shakeal Hendricks, Asia Nichols, Kiameshia “Kia” Williams, Jaliyah Janet Williams, James Williams IV, Zayden Betsinger, and Jamen Williams. Her beloved nieces and nephews: Daquan George, Jhada Pace, Kizer Jones, Jayla Jones, Miyaka Jones, Jordyn Jones, Amarianna Williams, and James Williams V. She also leaves to mourn her aunts: Michelle Billins, Stacey Ayers, Niesha Boyd, Cynthia Ann and Kenneth Savage, Jane and Richard Gibbs, Sandra Williams, Andrea and Tyrone Murray, Tammy Roman and Andrew Jones. Uncles: Marc Nichols and Jamie Collins, and Ray Jackson. Special Aunties: Terrill Liggins, Diane Jackson, Peggy Torres, Anita Taylor, Sharonda Ervin-Grigsby, and Theresa Clark (Godmother). She also leaves to mourn her in-laws: Hector and Ester Rivera, David Rivera, Zulia Martin, and Lisette Grimaldi. As well as her special friends: Shayla Blackshear-Holmes and Kayla Clarke (Godsister). Vanessa also leaves behind a host of cousins, great aunts, friends, associates, co-workers, and loved ones. Vanessa is predeceased by her maternal grandfather, James Moore, Sr., and her paternal grandfather, James E. Williams, Jr., Her brother, Justyce Nichols, and sister, Shacoya Lanaux. Her uncle James “Leon” Moore, Jr.; and Joseph Roman (Godfather). The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the ICU staff of 3 East at Wynn Hospital for their excellent care, compassion, love, dedicated time, empathy, and personal efforts in caring for Vanessa. Friends and family may visit on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 12:00 noon-2:00 p.m. at Peter Spencer UAME Church, 841 Bleeker Street. Vanessa’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. This tribute to Vanessa’s life has been lovingly written by her family.

Vanessa Janelle "Nessa" (Moore) Williams

October 5, 1989 - March 4, 2024