Vanessa Nichols

Vanessa Denise Nichols was born on November 20, 1956, to Samuel and Mary Lee Byers in Kansas City, Kansas. She was the second of four children, preceded in death by her baby brother, Arther Byers.

Vanessa accepted Christ at an early age. She attended elementary school at Our Lady & St. Rose, graduated from Blessed Sacrament Middle School, and completed her education at Bishop Ward High School, where she was recognized as an exceptional student.

An all-around talented athlete, Vanessa's true passion was softball, where she played second base. After graduating, she worked for many years at the United States Postal Service before retiring from the Pine Bluff Arsenal in White Hall, Arkansas.

In 1976, Vanessa married Ronald Boggess, Sr., and from this union, two children were born, whom she absolutely adored. Later in life, she moved to Arkansas and married Marvin Nichols. Vanessa enjoyed cooking, making homemade jellies, doing yard work, and caring for her parents.

She loved her family dearly, often hosting gatherings and reunions where games were played, with Bid Whist being the favorite.

Vanessa departed this life on May 28, 2025. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lee Byers; her brother, Arther Byers; her grandson, Xavier Townsend; and her paternal and maternal grandparents.

She is survived by her daughter, LaVeeda Cannady (Evan) of Kansas City, Kansas; her son, Ronald Boggess, Sr. (Melissa) of Kansas City, Kansas; her grandchildren, Xaire Townsend, Devan Harris, Shaun Cannady, Jr., Jayden Boggess, Cameron Boggess, Elijah McKoy, Naveah Boggess, and Carter Boggess; one great-grandchild, Xanai Townsend; her father, Samuel Byers, Sr.; her sister, Elizabeth Atkins; her brother, Sam Byers, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends who will cherish her memory.

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