Vanessa Louise Brown was born on July 31, 1959, in New Haven, Connecticut, to the late great Solomon Brown and the late great Mildred Louise Brown. She was raised in New Haven and attended New Haven Public Schools, graduating from James Hillhouse High School in 1977. Vanessa went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management with a minor in International Marketing from Roger Williams University in 1981.
Vanessa’s professional career was marked by her dedication to helping others. She worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield and later at Yale New Haven Hospital’s Emergency Department. There, she provided screenings, brief interventions, and referrals for patients exhibiting high-risk behaviors such as smoking, unhealthy alcohol use, and illicit drug abuse. She collaborated closely with community resources and specialty treatment centers to provide services tailored to her clients’ needs. Vanessa also partnered with Mrs. Elsie Cofield and the AIDS Interfaith Network to expand services in the community. After retiring from Yale, New Haven Hospital, she continued to serve others at the Immanuel Baptist Shelter, offering support for individuals in need. Additionally, she served as a Justice of the Peace.
Vanessa was a deeply rooted member of Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church, where she lived out her faith from a very young age. She was a Sunday School teacher from 1994 to 2008, a role she considered one of the proudest of her life. Vanessa’s love for teaching the Word and mentoring young people was evident, and she became well-known among parents and youth in churches across the state and beyond. In 2000, Vanessa was called into the ministry and delivered her initial sermon on October 8, 2000, under the guidance of Pastor Dr. Curtis M. Cofield. She was later ordained by Pastor Jackie Williams while serving at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
Vanessa went on to serve as an Associate Minister at both Bethel Missionary Baptist Church for five years and Community Baptist Church for seven years. At the time of her passing, she was an Associate Minister at the Redeemer Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend James Newman. Vanessa was adored by her Redeemer Family.
Beyond her titles and accomplishments, Vanessa was, first and foremost, a beloved mother, family member, and friend. She enjoyed long conversations with her cousins, particularly Anita and Tina. She absolutely cherished her son, Jovan D. Brown, whom she affectionately referred to as “Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh.” Her bond with him was undeniable, and they shared many special moments, from attending music and comedy shows together, to traveling the world, and enjoying parasailing, which she did on multiple occasions with him. Her passport was filled with stamps from their adventures creating lasting memories.
Vanessa was a passionate lover of music, with her favorite artists including Prince, George Clinton, Sly Stone, A Tribe Called Quest, and DMX, whom she affectionately referred to as “Earl.” She also had a deep love for comedy and could often be found reenacting scenes from her favorite shows with those closest to her. The best and most rehearsed reenactment was between her and Jovan…. that was the iconic fight scene from *Harlem Nights* with Eddie Murphy and Della Reese. Vanessa was a huge fan of Lucille Ball, admiring her not only for her comedic talent but also for her business acumen. Vanessa’s sense of humor and impeccable timing were a hallmark of her personality. Vanessa was also an avid viewer of television, especially *Beauty in Black* and *Sistas*.
In addition to her many passions, Vanessa was known for always wearing two wrists full of bracelets, famously saying, “When I die, Jovan better have Curvin take them all off.”
Reverend Vanessa Louise Brown was called from labor to reward on November 10, 2024. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and faith. She is survived by her son, Jovan D. Brown of Hamden, CT, her aunt Josephine Brown of McDonough, GA, her closest friends, Regina Hopkins, Tracy Claxton, and Dorothy Mewborn, and a host of cousins and friends who will cherish her memory forever.
Vanessa will be remembered not only for her impressive professional accomplishments and ministry but also for her warmth, humor, and the joy she brought to the lives of all who knew her. She was, at heart, a “Willis Street girl,” and despite her many titles, she was always just Vanessa. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
A celebration of Vanessa’s life and legacy will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 1324 Chapel St., New Haven. A viewing will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 AM. Burial will be at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven.
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Praying for strength for her son…Vanessa will truly be missed🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
My sincerest condolences to Javon and Brown family. My heart is sorrowful. We all Matt at Immanuel and shared so many good times. I know Matt will miss his teacher. Vanessa was loved by him. I can’t believe she left us so soon. Ms. Becky and Matthew Ford. Much love.
So, so, sorry to hear of this loss.
May you rest in peace, sister friend.
Deepest condolences,
Janet R. Parker
Vanessa was a classmate of mine at Hillhouse. She was a very kind and warm person. My condolences to her family. Rest in peace. ❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽
I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to the Brown family. Rest in peace Rev. Brown.
So sorry to hear of Vanessa’s passing, offering my deepest condolences to her son Javon and family, get your rest my friend until we meet again, rest in peace 🕊️
Rest well dear sweet Vanessa…keep watch over Sisters Journey as we continue our mission of the importance of early detection and being advocates of our bodies….love and miss you💕
Eileen Williams Esdaile
To the family, so sorry for your loss. I was so shocked when I heard of Vanessa’s passing we had just talked a few days before, and she was so happy and positive and looking forward to the future. I offer my sincere condolences to you all. Get your rest my sister/friend until we meet again 🙏🏾.
Vanessa Rest Well In Jesus!!!! Jovan your Auntie Lisa is truly praying for you!!!!! Love you to pieces and bits!!!