Vanessa Davis McQueen

March 6, 1955 - December 16, 2014

Vanessa Davis McQueen, age 59, of Elizabethton, TN moved to her spiritual life on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Ms. McQueen was a quiet warrior who was an encouragement to so many who also battled disease. Her life was one of service in her work, church, and with The Shepherd's Inn-Safe House Emergency Shelter. Serving on various boards and in advisory capacities she was a manager with the Elizabethton Housing and Development Agency for 25 years. Her recognitions include the Golden Rule Award from the JC Penny Co. and special recognition by President Bill Clinton for her community service. She is a graduate of Unaka High School and held a degree from East Tennessee State University. For more than 20 years, Ms. McQueen participated on the Worship and Hospitality committees of Elizabethton's First Presbyterian Church. She was an example of perseverance, hard work, and hope. She exemplified a true Christian Lady. Ms. McQueen is survived by her Brother Eddie Dean Davis of Chapel Hill, NC; nephew, Richard Davis; niece, Rachael Davis and her beloved Paul Gabinet. Vanessa was preceded in death by her parents Elbert Clark Davis and Velma Lee Ensor Davis. Vanessa cherished her close friends and celebrated them as family: Nancy Alsup, Jerry and Vera Thomas, Rosemary Matlock; Kelly Geagly, Susan Rutherford, Mary Ann Krell, other friends and co-workers with the Elizabethton Housing and Development Agency, board /advisory members of the Shepherd's Inn and her incredible church family. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Terri Cornelison of Johns Hopkins Hospital / National Cancer Institute and the Team with the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Ms. McQueen was invited and addressed a Congressional Committee this summer on the need to invest in cancer research through NIH. Also gratitude to: Larna Taylor, Cathy Wilcox, Sandy Blowers, Jerry and Vera Thomas, the home health team, Sycamore Shoals Hospital, and Dr. Jamal Matouk for their extraordinary care. A MEDITATION IN LIFE SERVICE will be conducted at Hathaway- Percy Funeral and Cremation Services, 101 East F Street in Elizabethton on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 2:30 pm. The Reverends Dr. John Martin, Dr. Donald Steele, and Joseph W. Manis will be officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service in Martin Hall at Elizabethton's First Presbyterian Church, 119 West F Street in Elizabethton. Graveside service and interment will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 21, 2014 in the Davis Cemetery, Stoney Creek Community. Honorary pallbearers will be Granville Taylor, Craig Davis, Danny Davis, Glen Ensor, Aubrey Ensor, Dennie Ensor, The Team of Elizabethton Housing and Development Agency, Board and Advisors of The Shepherd's Inn - Safe House Emergency Shelter, and the Worship/Hospitality Committees of First Presbyterian Church. Everyone will meet at the cemetery at 1:50 p.m. on Sunday for the graveside service. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Shepherd’s Inn – Safe House Emergency Shelter, P. O. Box 2214, Elizabethton, TN 37644.