Vanessa Robinson Rose transitioned from this life to eternity on November 30, 2025, at her home in Petersburg, VA after an extended illness.

Born on October 27, 1955, in Petersburg, VA, she was the cherished daughter of the late Ruby Robinson Gamby and Theodore Robinson. Vanessa's life was grounded in the values and faith instilled in her from childhood and she carried that strength throughout her extraordinary life.

Vanessa was a proud graduate of Petersburg High School, Class of 1973. Driven, brilliant, and determined, she continued her education and earned her BS in Accounting at the University of Virginia and shortly after, received her certification as a Certified Public Accountant. At UVA, she was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma; an honor society only open to the top ten percent of her class. She pursued her MBA in Accounting from Old Dominion University.  At ODU she was a member of Beta Alpha Psi, an honor society based on academic status. Her educational accomplishments were a testament to her lifelong commitment to excellence.

Her distinguished professional career spanned major corporations, universities, and nonprofits, where she earned a reputation for her integrity, expertise, and compassionate leadership. Vanessa began her career as an internal auditor with KPMG Peat Marwick and went on to serve as a senior accountant at Phillip Morris, U-Haul Rental, Mod Comp, and Ernst & Young. She held significant leadership roles, including comptroller at First of America Bank, Assistant Vice President at Comerica Bank, and Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis at AAA Michigan.

Her work in higher education included serving as Assistant Vice President at Wayne State University, Associate Vice President at Temple University, and later Chief Financial Officer at non-profit organization Philabundance. She concluded her career as Chief Budget Officer at The George Washington University.  She taught accounting and audit principles as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Oakland University in Rochester, MI, Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ and at Temple University.  She extended her teaching to the community by volunteering as a Strategy Consultant with 100 Black Men in Detroit, MI and with Virginia Society of CPAs to review articles submitted.  She also offered accounting and audit advice to various African American churches throughout the communities she resided in.  In every institution she served, Vanessa was respected for her brilliance, celebrated for her kindness, and loved for her humility.

Beyond her career achievements, Vanessa was defined by her character. A devoted Christian with a deep and steady faith, she served as a Trustee for the Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church in Sicklerville, New Jersey. She approached life with grace, compassion, and a genuine interest in others. She believed in helping people, listening to their stories, and showing appreciation for even the smallest blessings. Her gentle spirit left an imprint on everyone she met.

Vanessa delighted in simple joys, working puzzles, watching old movies, fun times for laughter, and sweet treats. She loved music, both old and new. During her illness, she was observed singing some of her favorite songs.

Family was her heart. Vanessa treasured life with her devoted husband, Eldridge Rose, and her daughter, Torie Rose of Farmington Hills, Michigan. They were the center of her world. She cherished a close bond with her sisters, Belinda Todd (Daniel) of Petersburg, VA, Glenice Como (Paul) of Missouri City, TX, and Annett Gillard (William) of Chester, VA and with her nephews, Blair Washington (Aja) of Orange, NJ and Paul R. Como of Shreveport, LA as well as her great niece, Charlotte Washington of Orange, NJ. Her love, support, and presence enriched countless lives. Vanessa will be missed by her extended family members, sister-in-law, Janell Giles of Petersburg, VA and brother-in-law, Don Rose of Petersburg, VA and a host of devoted friends including her devoted nurse, Lottie Tucker.

Vanessa Robinson Rose leaves behind a legacy of love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Monday, December 8, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 236 Harrison Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, Pastor, the Rev. Belinda Todd, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Alzheimer's Association or simply encourages you to perform an act of kindness in Vanessa's honor, reflecting the way she lived her life.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.