Vanessa Gillenwater, 62, of Auto, WV, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015, at Peyton Hospice House in Fairlea, WV, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born January 25, 1953, in Portsmouth, VA, Vanessa was the second child of Frank and Audrey Harmon.
She graduated from Wilson High School and became a registered nurse as a graduate of Portsmouth General Hospital School of Nursing. Vanessa took pride in caring for others and made it her life’s work. She was a member of the Woodland Community Church in Auto, where she led the women’s ministry, and her husband is the pastor.
Vanessa is survived by her husband, Mark Gillenwater; stepson, John Gillenwater and wife, Tina; daughter, Kristin Garman; stepdaughter, Amanda Johnson and husband, Jim; brother, Joseph Harmon Jr. and wife, Stephanie; as well as grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
As a nurse and medical professional, Vanessa recognized the importance of learning opportunities. With this in mind, she chose to donate her body to the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM).
There will not be a funeral or burial, so flowers are not expected. If anyone would like to send cards or make a contribution, they can be sent to the family at Woodland Community Church, P.O. Box 154, Renick, WV 24966.
Visitation with the family will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, June 14, 2015, at Rhema Christian Center, where friends and family will gather to celebrate and remember. A memorial service will begin at 2 PM with Pastor Stewart Farley officiating.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
Information submitted by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg.
Obituary originally published in the June 10, 2015, edition of The West Virginia Daily News.
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