Visitation: April, 26, 12p-6p at at Riley Funeral Home Funeral: April 27, 11a at Lansing Church of God in Christ, 5304 Wise Road, Lansing Vanessa Jean Beard was born on August 9, 1963 in Brookhaven, Mississippi to Herman and Zeola Beard. Vanessa moved to Lansing, Michigan ,with her family, a very young age and attended Lansing Public Schools. She was a dedicated employee at Meijer warehouse for the past 16 years. She enjoyed being with family and friends. She also enjoyed walking taking pictures, shopping and most of all, cooking. She was preceded in death by: her parents, Herman and Zeola Beard; paternal grandparents, Willie and Monroe Beard; maternal grandparents, Willie and Sami Levi; sister, Mary Helen Swafford; nieces, Anjenette and Alanna Beard; and nephew, James Earl Smith. On April 19, 2012 the Lord sent his angel to bring her home. She leaves to cherish in her memory: her daughters, LaTasha and Carrie Beard, both of Lansing; eight grandchildren, Toni Benson, Shania Jones, Jakya Jones, Makyla Jones, Malakhy Jones, Nathaniel Benson, Malashia Jones, and Treyvon Davis; long-time companion, Lewis Mallett; siblings, Theola Benson of Danford, Florida, Gladys King-Beard, Herman (Eula) Beard, Wardell Beard, Cecilia Beard, Sandra Torry, Hollis Beard, Ward (Mae) Beard, Annette (Sam) Mcgee, and Jennifer (John) Patterson, all of Lansing; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.