Vanessa Copeland was born on March 6, 1953 in Norfolk, Virginia to the parents of Melvin and Verdell Brown. Vanessa was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She did many things during her lifetime but the one passion she had was becoming a Licensed Cosmetologist and a great one at that.

Vanessa affectionately known as "Nessa", married the love of her life Nathaniel "Nat" Copeland on November 20, 1977 and they were inseparable. Vanessa and Nat loved to travel  and would take a road trip in a heartbeat. Vanessa is survived by her loving husband, Nathaniel "Nat" Copeland; children, Monick Hall, Nathaniel Copeland, Jr., Angelia Copeland, and Maurice Copeland and one daughter-in-law, Tammy Brown; grandchildren, Jasmine Brown (grandma boo), Jarron Brown, Anthony Brown, Jr., Anthony Hall, Jr., Pierre Haskins, Ja'Rell Hall, Tori Kitt (Clarence Kitt III), Mau'Reisha Copeland, Mau'Riana Copeland, Natalyah Copeland and Blaise Copeland; several great grandchildren. Also, left to cherish her memory are nine sisters, two brothers, four sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The loss we feel today is deep and profound, yet the story of her life does not end here. It continues in the countless lives she touched, in the values she demonstrated, and in the love she gave so freely. Her journey was marked by compassion, resilience, and quiet strength. She faced life's challenges with grace and met its joys with a grateful heart.

Her legacy is not measured only in accomplishments, but in moments — the comforting words she offered, the laughter she shared, the encouragement she gave when it was needed most. She had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Those who knew her will remember her not only for what she did, but for who she was  genuine, caring, and full of heart.

Though we grieve her absence, we honor her by carrying forward the kindness she showed, the love she modeled, and the integrity she lived by. Her memory will continue to inspire strength in times of difficulty and gratitude in moments of joy. She will always be remembered with deep love and respect.

She was preceded in death by her father, Melvin "Curtis" Brown; mother, Verdell Brown; brother, Ronald Brown; brother-in-law, Roger Copeland, Jr.; son-in-law, Anthony Hall; and son, Anthony Brown, whose memories she carried with her throughout her life. While their absence was felt, she often spoke of them with warmth and gratitude, holding close the lessons and love they shared. whom we take comfort in knowing welcomed her with open arms. Though the pain of her loss is overwhelming, we find solace in the memories she left behind.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Herbert Holly II, Pastor, Superintendent Pastor Anthony Olds, Sr., eulogist.

A family and friends visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., Monday, March 16, 2026, at the funeral establishment.

In lieu of floral arrangaments the family kindly asks that cards and donations be sent to: Nathaniel Copeland, 5448 Holly Pines Drive, Chesterfield, VA 23832. You may also contact the family at (614) 404-7167 or (202) 304-6626.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.