Vanessa Owensby was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 2, 1957, to Roy and Essie Owensby.

Vanessa took her last breath and closed her beautiful eyes on July 24, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Essie Owensby; her brothers Roger, Randy, Rudolph, and Rodney; her sister Theresa Owensby; and her stepson, Walter Willis Jr.

Vanessa received her education in the Cincinnati Public School District and also attended Southwestern College for nursing.

Vanessa found great joy in going to bingo, visiting casinos, and cherishing time with her beloved children and grandchildren.

She was proud to have overcome her battle with addiction, celebrating over three years of sobriety—a testament to her strength, resilience, and determination to live a better life for herself and her family.

Vanessa leaves to cherish her precious memory the love of her life, Walter Willis; her daughters, Finesha (Charles) and Rhonda (Mickie); her bonus daughter, Shanell (Preston); her sons, Demetrious, Carnell, and Dominique; and her bonus son, Walter (deceased). Her grandsons include Michael, Maury, Nadir, Cortez, Ronnell, Demontez, Lil Carnell, and Lil Demetrious. Her granddaughters include Niah, Donaisha, Talisha, Demetriana, Demetriah, DaRiya, Riley, Jayda, Dallas, Ahlayah, and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Robert (Diane), Raymond (Theresa), Roger (deceased) (Brenda), Rickey, Randell (deceased), Rudolph (deceased) (Sherry), Rodney (deceased), and Chauncey (wife); her sisters Netra (Jerry), Kim (Albert), Theresa (deceased) (Otis), and Regina (Derrick); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the House of Hope, 930 Findlay Street, Cincinnati  (45214).   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.

To share a memory of   Vanessa or leave a special message for the  Owensby family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

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