Vanessa Crawford Celebration of Life Expenses

To know Vanessa was to love her. She was a powerhouse presence, a vibrant, colorful soul, and the center of our family unit. She lived her life in constant service to others and was a guiding light to all of us, often in our darkest moments.

Vanessa is lovingly remembered as “Grandma” by countless children that she cared for over the years. You rarely saw her without a baby (or two) on the hip and a whole line of kids following close behind her. She was a magnet for kids in any room she stepped into and had an unmatched ability to connect with them in a way that made them feel special and loved. Her home was a safe space for children with special needs and children that required additional attention and grace.

Vanessa extended the same grace and love to everyone she met. She was a shepherd for the lost and broken-hearted and she did her best to guide them without judgement or expectation. Vanessa was a safe space for so many and we are lost without her to guide us through the unimaginable grief we feel at her sudden loss.

For all her softness, she was also loud and blunt and outspoken. She would tell you what you needed to hear, even when you didn’t want to. Her laugh was infectious, she was ornery to her core, and she was a hell of a card player.

She would also absolutely hate being put in the spotlight like this and would thank each of you for loving her with all her flaws. She would never admit that was really her superpower - to love unconditionally. She saw people first always, never their circumstances and found a calling in volunteering and championing the mission of Family Promise of Greater Wichita.

Now, for the woman who gave so much of herself in service of others, we ask that you help us honor her with a fitting celebration of her life. All funds raised will be put towards funeral expenses and a memorial at Botanica so that her family and grandchildren have a place to visit and remember her. Any additional funds will be split between Vanessa’s daughters Krysal and Kelsey, to be used as they see fit.

We are grateful for any and all donations and are most thankful for this community that Vanessa built that has surrounded us with their love at this unimaginable time.

Thank you for helping honor the memory of our beloved Vanessa - Mommy, Grandma, Gigi, Sissy, Aunt Nessy, V, Soul-Sister, friend.