Vanessa Adams, nee Fields was born in Chicago, IL on February 19th, 1959 to the union of Henry Fields, Jr. and Addie C. Fields nee Woods. She attended Daniel Hale Williams Elementary and graduated from Chicago Vocational High School. She earned her associate degree in business administration from Rockford Career College in Rockford, IL.
Vanessa married young and from this union were born 4 children.
Vanessa's career was long and varied from working with the West Suburban Fire Dept, to working with the Youth Build of Rockford, and she was an advocate for housing rights. Her last and favorite job was in Rockford at Global Staffing where she worked for over 10 years.
Vanessa's passions were great music, tennis, bowling,and pokeno.
On January 28th, 2016, God called Vanessa home. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, oldest brother Anthony and oldest sister Lauren. She leaves behind to cherish her memory; her children, Audranelle (Benjamin), Jaleeia, Ethan, and Yolanda, one sister Constance, one brother Tracy, one aunt Sylvia Woods, 6 grandchildren, Emoni, Anessa, DeShawn, Jaleah, Brooklen, A'Kyler aka Fat Man, 3 nephews, Marcus, Christopher, Khendall, 2 nieces, Lenelle and Addie Kaye, 6 great nieces and nephews, David, Braelin, Breanna, Alec, Leila, and Juicy, a host of cousins, special loved ones and best friends, Michelle Baker, Pamela Rempala, Kimberly Richards and Antonio Ramirez, Jr.


Dear Mommy,
I love you so much! The day after you passed, that morning, the sun shined like never before. I knew you were in heaven and God had you and Nodie, TT, and Uncle. I want you to know that I will never forget who you were, a force to be reckoned with. Such a strong woman, a loving mother, a great friend, sister, aunt and many more hats! I will never forget "where there is a will, there is a way". The old sayings and their meaning have always stuck with me and I have been passing them down to our "Lil Vanessa", Emoni. I promise to continue to be the woman and mom you taught me to be. I promise to continue to shape and hold on to Emoni and do for her as you did for me. These words could never do you justice.
Always and Forever
Love, Audranelle

To my mother, my best friend, my first teacher,
If there were ever a time I didnt say I miss you like crazy I would be lying. These memories become stronger every time I think of you. The injustice our family has suffered has a brighter side knowing you are not suffering anymore. Dreams of you bring me pleasure knowing how comfortable you are. I think of my daughters and how they will truly receive this journey once its complete. I have continued to show excellence and raise my girls as a reflection of us. My thoughts of a future are still bright and beaming for your continued support sent down from heaven. I love you, my teacher, my best friend, my mother
"Your life is your life"
-Jaleeia

Mom, I would not be half the man I am today if you did not have my best interest. I stand here today a strong, young, intelligent, Black Male and it is because of you. I love you forever.
Ethan

I wanted to start off by saying, "Happy B-Day" Mommy and many many more. My mom would light up a room. Words can't express the emptiness I feel inside. "My world" has left my world. I am doing my best to know you will always live inside my mind and heart, but I now know that my safety blanket is no longer a phone call away. I am glad to now that when my "Ness" arrived, you showed me I could be a great mother. I thank you for the skills and resources and most of all you showed me how I could love someone else. I am going to be ok. My promise to you is to live and dont be closed off and my first stop is Vegas! LOL!
Love you so much mommy
Love always, Yolanda
Aka 2$ Happy B-day

Dear Grandma
I miss you so much . Mom told me what happened. Please come back! I am finally 13 years old. It has been four days since you have passed. I am writing this letter to let you know I miss you very much. Everyone does. No one is fight buy you already know that. How is it in heaven? Does God have long hair? Is he tall? Have you seen GG or Uncle Tony? Is everything white with roses? Do you like it there? Do you miss earth down here? I am dong fine. I have an assignment from my art teacher to build my dream house. It has five rooms and a large kitchen. Right now I am here and crying but you already knew that right? I thought so. Mom misses you and so do I. I am not angry with God for taking you. Mom told me "everything happens for a reason". I still want you here with me. Oh, I almost forgot I was nominated to sing in the choir for Black History Month. Me of all people! I am listening to my favorite song while writing this. It is called Icchiban no takaramono. It means "my treasure". It is my favorite. I love you Grandma. I want you to know I accept it.
With love,
Emoni your first grandbaby
P.S. I will miss you

Dog,
Friends came and went. And lovers. Jobs and adventures. Beliefs. Ambitions. But there has always been one constancy. My love for you and yours for me.
Love always
Dog

Jesus Whispered "Dont worry child, I will be with you every step of the way"
Love
Tracy

T-Ness, for a long time it was just me, your only niece....I cherished that but you were more than an aunt to me.....in some ways, you were like a second mother and then one day things just changed...I asked God for years could it ever be the same yet the love I have for you will forever remain....I want you to know that I will carry you in my spirit as I do Uncle Tony, Grandma, and T-Lauren. You will always be a Superwoman to me. .. Rest in Peace my favorite Auntie.
Love you 1st Niece,
Lenell

To my love, my T-ness. First thing we always said to each other was " I love you". I miss your beautiful face and your witty humor. Rest in Heaven my love. You've gained your beautiful wings
Your favorite niece,
Addie Kaye