Vanessa Harrison (Downing) was born in Akron, OH on May 9, 1957, to McKinley “Mack” Wilson and Annie Ruth Downing. She was a lifetime member of Akron and surrounding areas. Vanessa was a graduate of Springfield High School.

Vanessa was an eternal optimist. She lived life day by day, never worrying about what was going to happen. She would always say, “We’ll deal with it when that time comes.”

While she was not much of a people person, Vanessa never met a stranger even in those she did not know. She was kind, loving and always made others feel welcomed.

In her free time, Vanessa loved going to bingo, playing cards, watching soaps, crime shows, and spending time with her family; all of whom she gave a nickname—from the nieces and nephews, to the great  nieces and great nephews.

Vanessa is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Harrison; parents, McKinley (Lola) Wilson and Annie Ruth Downing; brother, Michael Downing; sisters, Carol Downing-Brooks and Doris   Downing.

She leaves to cherish her memory to her son, Marcus (Nicole) Downing; daughter, LaJoy Downing; special niece, Sherese    Downing; brothers, Edward Osborne and James Lee Downing; sister, Trena Downing; grandchildren, Christopher, Cordell,  Malachi, JD, and Lou; best friend, Pamela Brewington; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.