Vanessa Kay Jones

Vanessa Hendricks Jones, age 68, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Born on August 6, 1957, she was the fourth child of James Hendricks Sr. and Evelyn Hendricks. Vanessa accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at St. John College Heights Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend A. C. Clark. 

Her life reflected the truth of Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Grounded in faith, Vanessa lived with quiet strength, humility, and a heart that gave generously without expecting anything in return.

Educated in the Austin Public School System, including John H. Reagan High School. Vanessa later dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Austin Independent School District before retiring in May 2005. 

She worked diligently, embodying Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

Vanessa leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, compassion, gentleness, and unwavering faith. She was a quiet spirit, known for her warmth, her giving nature, and her ability to make everyone feel cared for. She loved baking, especially her Milky Way, strawberry, German chocolate and Snickers cakes. Her greatest joys were time spent with family, supporting her children and grandchildren in their education, sports, and activities, and listening to good music.

Christmas was her favorite holiday, a time that perfectly reflected her heart: giving, loving, and bringing joy to others. The light of the season mirrored the light she shared so freely.

Vanessa lived out Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” through her kindness, generosity, and quiet acts of love.

Vanessa was preceded in death by her father, James Hendricks Sr., her brothers, David Hendricks and James “Lil Jim” Hendricks Jr.; her sisters, Ruby Montgomery and Carolyn Sue, Claud Green Sr., her husband, Michael Jones, her Godparents, Reverend Mack Robinson and Georgian Robinson; and her niece, Tamika Ross.

As we remember her life, we hold close the comfort of John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled… I go to prepare a place for you.”

Vanessa leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Timothy Hendricks (Iris), Trina Hendricks (Rodney), Ivory Green, Claud Green Jr., Tramisha Green -Pete (Michael), and Michael Jones. Her grandchildren: Anaiah Green, James Houston, Brianna Canada, De’marcus Green, Carmelo Green, De’montrey Blount, Tiana Canada, Claud Green III, Yakira Green, Mason Hendricks, Ladainian Green, Mackenzie Hendricks, Jonathan Green, Faith Green, Mercy Green, Evella Green, Michael Jones Jr., Jayden Jones, Jaylah Jones, and Michayla Pete. Her great-grandchildren: De’Anthony Canada, Omari Blount, Jasiah Houston, Jazlyn Houston, and Carmelo Green Jr., her mother, Evelyn Hendricks, and her stepmother, Robbie Hendricks; her sisters, Rosemary Townsend (Reverend D.W.), Rita Jones (Alvin), Ramona Hendricks, Wendy Jones, and Deborah Zeno (Darrell); her brothers Cecil Hendricks, Kerry Hendricks, Paul Hendricks, and Johnny Jones (Trina); and a large host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

As we say farewell to Vanessa Hendricks Jones, we honor her quiet strength, her giving heart, and her steadfast faith. We are reminded of 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Her earthly journey is complete, but her love continues to shine in the hearts of all who knew her. May her soul rest in God’s eternal peace, and may the memories we cherish bring us comfort and hope.