Vanessa was born on April 14, 1962, to Reverend Cleveland Farmer, Jr. and Mrs. Jessie M. Farmer. She is the third born of five children. She attended grade school and Clifton Elementary and graduated from Walnut Hills High School in 1980.

Vanessa was baptized in 1969 at the young age of 7 by her father and pastor Reverend Cleveland Farmer, Jr. She was active in the church. She was a member of the youth choir (Rosebuds), the usher board, and Unity’s Mass Choir. She was an active participant in the annual Baptist convention, both District and State. She was very creative and loved working with children. As one of the youth ministry leaders, Vanessa often wrote plays for Christmas and Black History Month. She developed, organized, coordinated, and facilitated Unity’s first youth summer program. She also tutored children in math and reading.

Vanessa enjoyed helping others. She was especially compassionate about advocating for those who could not advocate for themselves. After graduating from high school, Vanessa went on to become a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA). She then started her career at skilled nursing facilities, which she did with love, care, and compassion.

She began working at Oak Pavilion Nursing Center and remained there for over 30 years. While there, she organized gift exchanges, Sunday services, holiday and birthday celebrations, arts and crafts, bingo days, and group outings for residents. Her commitment to quality care, love, and compassion for the residents and the work led to Vanessa being promoted to activities director.

She enjoyed being “out and about,” as she would say, including reggae and salsa nights on the square. She loved her family and loved family gatherings. As much as she loved her family, her family loved her.

Vanessa was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Cleveland Farmer, Jr., and Mrs. Jessie M. Farmer, and her eldest sister, Rosemary Hammons. She leaves to cherish her memory her siblings: Venita Farmer, Lisa Jackson, and Anthony Farmer. Her nieces and nephews: Nyikki, Donnita, Asia, Brianna, Cameron, Quinton, Anthony Jr., Dominik, Cleveland, Alonzo, and Caleb; great nieces and nephews: Makayla, My’la, Ma-Leah, Khalia Rose, Markus, Jr., Nate, Jr., Anthony III, Nassir, Ny’Air, and Cameron, Jr. Also, a host of extended family and friends.

Vanessa loved hard and strong. She said what she meant and meant what she said! All in love, of course. She will be missed and always in our hearts. Forever loved.

The Farmer Family

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Unity Missionary Baptist Church, 3126 Fairfield Ave, Cincinnati (45207). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

She will be laid to rest at Vine Street Hill Cemetery, 3701 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Farmer family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Farmer family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.