Some people move quietly through life. Vanessa Zenobia Williams did not.

Vanessa entered rooms the way a great story begins, with energy, laughter, and a voice that made people turn their heads before they even realized why. She greeted everyone. Not with a quick hello, but with a hug, a question, a compliment, and a full conversation that somehow made you feel like the most important person she had spoken to that day.

She had a big voice and a big laugh to match. It was the kind of infectious laugh that rolled through a room and pulled everyone into it, whether they knew the joke or not. When Vanessa told a story, she didn’t simply tell it; she performed it. Her hands moved through the air as she spoke, her voice shifting into different characters as she reenacted every moment. By the time she reached the punchline, the entire room would already be laughing.

Language itself seemed to bend around Vanessa’s personality. She loved inventing words and expressions, little sayings her family came to know as “Vanessa-isms.” One of her favorites was declaring with full confidence, “The Lordt loves me,” always making sure to land the extra “T.” It was classic Vanessa. A little playful, a little dramatic, and entirely unforgettable.

Vanessa was born on January 8, 1984, in Boston, Massachusetts, the first daughter of Makeda and Reginald Williams. Raised in Dorchester, she grew up surrounded by family, community, and the kind of love that would shape the rest of her life. Even as a young girl, Vanessa carried the same qualities people would come to know and cherish: she was funny, outspoken, loving, supportive, and never afraid to be exactly who she was.

Her creativity eventually found its home in the beauty industry. Vanessa became a talented hairstylist, first working at Blow Bar in Boston’s Back Bay and later at Drybar, where her natural leadership and passion for her craft led her to become a regional educator. She loved teaching others and took pride in helping people grow in their careers. Clients came for beautiful hair, but many stayed for the conversations, encouragement, and laughter that came with every appointment.

But if there was one place Vanessa truly shined, it was in the company of the people she loved.

Her love story with Tarik McFarland began in a recording studio, an unexpected place for something so meaningful to start. At the time, he could not have known that the woman he had just met would become the love of his life. What followed was a partnership that lasted 21 years and was built not only on love but on deep friendship. Vanessa and Tarik shared big personalities and a playful sense of humor that allowed them to laugh with each other and move through life without taking it too seriously.

Together they welcomed their daughter, Zariah Samia Alves, on March 30, 2007. From the moment she became a mother, Vanessa’s love for Zariah was unmistakable. Their bond was deep and effortless. Zariah could always confide in her mother, and Vanessa treasured those conversations. Some of their favorite moments were the simplest ones, sitting together watching Zariah’s favorite shows while Vanessa delivered her signature commentary, transforming ordinary television into a full comedy performance.

Vanessa was incredibly proud of the young woman Zariah has become. Seeing her daughter grow and succeed, now as a freshman at Howard University, was one of Vanessa’s greatest joys.

Family was the heartbeat of Vanessa’s life. Being only a year and four months older than her sister Sonjia, the two grew up almost like twins, moving through life side by side. Along with their sister Moniqua, the three shared a bond built on laughter, loyalty, and the kind of love only sisters understand. Vanessa often took on the role of caretaker in her own way, whether that meant doing Moniqua’s hair, offering encouragement, or simply making sure her sisters always knew she was there.

She loved traveling and creating memories with the people closest to her. One of her most cherished adventures was traveling to Bali with Sonjia for a birthday celebration, a trip filled with laughter, discovery, and the kind of joy that Vanessa carried wherever she went.

Vanessa’s love for family extended far beyond her immediate household. She came from a large and vibrant family, with more than forty first cousins who were an important part of her life. Family gatherings were some of her favorite places to be. Surrounded by cousins, conversation, music, and laughter, Vanessa was completely in her element. Whether it was a large celebration or a simple outing, she valued every opportunity to spend time with the people she loved.

Her friendships were equally meaningful. Her best friend Yasmin stood beside her through countless chapters of life. Their personalities balanced each other beautifully, and together they shared adventures, laughter, and a friendship that remained strong through the years.

Vanessa also had a gift for making ordinary moments feel special. She loved fashion and had a natural eye for style, often finding hidden treasures while thrifting. She loved singing and could make up songs about almost anything happening around her. Karaoke nights were unforgettable because Vanessa was always ready to step forward and take the microphone. Her voice was beautiful, and she sang with the kind of confidence that made everyone cheer.

At family gatherings, Vanessa was often the one leading the moment, never afraid to sing, laugh loudly, or become the center of attention. Her presence made rooms warmer, brighter, and infinitely more joyful.

She believed strongly that right was right and wrong was wrong, yet she also had the rare ability to remain neutral when situations called for peace. Her family jokingly called her “Switzerland,” a nickname that reflected her ability to keep balance and bring people together.

On March 7, 2026, at 2:57 PM, Vanessa peacefully departed this life due to cardiac arrest caused by blood clotting. Surrounded by love and the presence of her family, she transitioned from this life, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength, laughter, and cherished memories.

Vanessa leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Tarik McFarland; her beloved daughter, Zariah Alves; her mother, Makeda Williams; her sisters, Sonjia and Moniqua Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Reginald Williams, and her grandparents, Mae Wise, Frederick Williams, and Gladys Williams.

Though Vanessa is no longer physically with us, the love she shared, the lessons she taught, and the memories she created will live on forever. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

And for those who knew her best, it is not difficult to imagine how she might respond to all the love being spoken about her now. With that familiar smile, that big laugh filling the room, and that voice that could turn any moment into a story, Vanessa would probably say the same thing she always did:

“The Lordt loves me.”

And anyone who knew her would smile, because it certainly felt that way.

Viewing will be held at Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church, 146 Hampshire Street, Cambridge on Saturday, March 14th from 12PM-1PM. Funeral Service to begin at 1PM.