Vanessa Means

On Monday March 30, 1964, a beautiful baby girl was born to Randolph and Earline Norris. She was the 5th of 6 children and they named her Vanessa, affectionately known as “Net” by her family and friends. Vanessa accepted Christ at a early age at Golden Street Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC and later ordained as a minister; and was blessed all of her days.

Vanessa went on to graduate from Spartanburg Technical College’s nursing program. She spent the majority of her occupational years in Healthcare, serving and genuinely caring for the elderly and infirmed in some capacity. Vanessa had a fervent passion for servitude which was often joked as God’s purpose for her life. Throughout her journey, Vanessa also delighted in serving the Lord and was a dedicated member of Faith Tabernacle Church of Spartanburg. In her spare time she enjoyed singing, dancing, studying the Word and loving on her family and friends with that gigantic heart like only she could. Vanessa was an exemplary wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Known for her outstanding humor, her boisterous laughter, her inherent joy and her INFAMOUS banana pudding she has left a void that won’t easily be filled.

It was a peaceful and beauteous Thursday April 10th when the Lord called His angel home. At 62 years old, Vanessa had lived to see her three children into adulthood, her grandchildren grow and even received the blessing of a great grandchild. Net departed this life surrounded by them same love, light and fellowship that she’d bestowed upon all of us Vanessa was proceeded in death by her father, Randolph Norris; her grandmother, Florence Johnson, her aunt, Margaret Boyd; her favorite cousin, Roosevelt “Junior” Hardy; and several beloved family members.

She leaves to revel in her beautiful memory: her husband of 40 years, Terry Means; her daughters, DeCola Barksdale (Taariq Barksdale) of Rock Hill, SC; Courtney Means (Nyshawanna Scott) of Inman, SC; Adrienne Bryant and Lenience Stevens of Spartanburg, SC. Her only son Tyson Means of the home. Her siblings, Lena Smith (TomSmith), Sharon Jefferson, Lesina Jefferson, Eric Jefferson and her baby sister Kelly Jefferson all of Spartanburg, SC. Nine grandchildren, Brianna Brewton, Braedan Griffin, Bryndal Crosby, Promis Means, Tycorrian Means, Niasia Stevens, Shania Stevens, Jacob Henderson and Messiah Glenn. Her affectionate great-grandson, Ethan Tate. Her absolutely adored nieces and nephews, her cherished cousins, her sweet aunts and a multitude of friends and family.