Vanessa Denise Coleman, 63, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at Cooper University Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends. Vanessa was born on January 13, 1963, in St. Petersburg, Florida, to Eloise Coleman and the late Willie James Coleman. In 1965, she moved with her family to Bridgeton, New Jersey, where she was raised and remained a lifelong resident.

She was a proud graduate of Bridgeton High School, Class of 1982. Vanessa dedicated many years to her professional life, working for 20 years at Trump Marina as a slot technician. She later worked at Shepherd as a bus driver and eventually pursued her calling at Benchmark, where she lovingly cared for individuals with disabilities until her illness.

Vanessa enjoyed attending church, shopping, reading, watching movies, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren and family, whom she loved deeply. She was raised in St. Philip's Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Willie Hargrove, where she served faithfully as a member of the Junior Usher Board, Junior Missionary, and Junior Choir. Vanessa also participated in Sunday School and many holiday church plays, demonstrating her early commitment to faith and service.

Vanessa will be remembered for her kind heart, dedication to family, strong faith, and loving spirit. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Vanessa leaves to cherish her memory her loving mother, Eloise Coleman; her three beloved sons, Michael (Shameka) Simmons and Myron (Desirea) Simmons, both of Bridgeton, NJ, and Omar Coleman of Vineland; her cherished grandchildren, Emani and Eniyah Loatman, Sci'Oni, Myron'aja, Myoni Simmons and 10 bonus grandchildren, her nieces; Shamona Heard and Devauna Coleman, her nephews; Dale Coleman Jr. and Daquan Moore; her sister-in-law, Wanda Coleman, with whom she shared a special bond; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She also leaves behind her lifelong friends; Alexandria "Sandy" Telfair Plummer, Carolyn Williams, Genevia Valentine and Marie Jones, who held a special place in her heart.

Vanessa was preceded in death by her father, Willie James Coleman; her maternal and paternal grandparents; her sister, Tracy Coleman; her brothers, Ricky Coleman, Dale Coleman, and Ronald Coleman; her nephew, Reginald Brian Coleman Butler; and her godbrother, Tyeheim Telfair