Vanessa Chester Harris, affectionately known as “Nessa”, passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at the age of 65. She was born on August 17, 1959 to the late Ernest Chester and Melissa Hunter Chester.

Vanessa was married to SSG (Ret) James E. Harris on March 28, 2003.

She confessed Christ and joined St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Columbus, Georgia. Her passion for children led to work with the Sunday School, Christian Youth Fellowship, Greeter, and she also worked in the Church Office. She was faithful in love and spirit for her church. She loved to spend time with her family and shopping.

Vanessa was educated in the schools of Muscogee County, Georgia, and was a 1977 graduate of Kendrick High School. She attended Clark College (Clark Atlanta University) and received an associate degree at Chattahoochee Valley Community College. Before enjoying retirement she was previously employed at AJ McClung YMCA, Sears Roebuck, 30th AG Reception Battalion Civil Service, and Muscogee Manor.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings, Ernestine Mays, Jack Chester, Alfred Chester, John H. Chester, David Chester, Sandra Kendrick, and Winfred Chester.

Nessa’s fond memories will forever be in the hearts of: her loving and devoted husband, SSG (Ret) James E. Harris; one daughter, Tannus Harrs, one son; Rashawn Harris, grandchildren; Taleyah Harris, Malin Harris, Teigen Harris, and Taryn Harris, three sisters; Carolyn Thornton, Janice Arrington, and Margaret Fuller, sisters-in-law, Barbara Chester, Alisa Chester, Chae Suk Chester, Valeria Harris, Tessa (Albert) Pride, brothers-in-law Donald Harris, Marvin Harris, and Ronald Harris, one god-daughter, Jasmyne (Dallas) Frison, and an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 11:00AM at the St. James CME Church, Rev. Adrian J. Chester, Officiant and Rev. Bernard M. Jackson, Eulogist with interment at Green Acres Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday 2 - 5:00 PM at Progressive.

Progressive Funeral Home staff is privileged to serve the Family of Mrs. Vanessa Chester Harris.