Obituary of Vanessa Harris

Vanessa and Ronald Harris shared a sibling bond and a close friendship that united them throughout their lives up until their recent deaths.  Their parents, Virgie and Swanzy Harris, had Ronald on July 6, 1957 and his sister, Vanessa, a year  later on  May 22, 1958. Both were born in New Brunswick, New Jersey at Middlesex County Hospital and attended the New Brunswick Public School System. Vanessa departed the earth on November 24, 2020 and her brother, Ronald passed away five days later on November 29th, 2020.

Ronald was a loving and devoted husband, son, brother, father and grandfather who worked diligently for the New Brunswick Municipal Court House for 27 years.  He married his wife, Barbara Jean Davis, in 1983 and shared over three decades of marital bliss with her until she passed away in 2018.  Ronald was known for his cool persona which included his walk, his flair for fashion and his signature high-top afro.  He also possessed a warm smile, easy laugh and amazing singing voice.

Vanessa was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church since she was 12 years old where she went to Sunday School, attended Bible study and she sang in the junior choir.  Affectionately known as “Van” and “Face,” Vanessa was a beautiful spirit both inside and out who lit up every room that she walked into with her dazzling smile, her gracefulness and her charming personality.  She worked as a dietician at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital for over 27 years.

Vanessa and Ronald are predeceased by their oldest brother, Charles Lawrence.  They leave a host of family members and friends to cherish their memories and to continue their legacies including their parents: Virgie and Swanzy Harris, brothers: Eugene Harris and Michael Harris, sister Ganelle Brown, Ronald’s children: Latasha Barrett, Al Tyeshia Davis, Sabir Harris, and Shaberia Harris, his grandchildren: Jamail Gaines, Alexis Barrett, Nazir Barrett, Kion Davis, Alyssa Barrett, Sabir Harris and King Barber and his great-grandchildren: Harmony Allen, Jayden Davis, Zha’Laiya Davis, Bella Brown, Nayari Barrett and Avah Brown, in addition to Vanessa’s companion for over thirty years: Tom Newsome.  Vanessa and Ronald will also be mourned and missed by their  aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of extended family and friends.