The Valley Weekly

Tennessee Valley Diversity Leadership Alum: Mrs. Vanessa Atkins Weatherly

https://www.royalfh.com/obituary/mrs-vanessa-weatherly

This week’s edition of The Valley Weekly is available online @ http://www.valleyweeklyllc.com/ValleyWeekly07032026V12N44.pdf.

A Life of Service, Excellence, and Grace: Remembering Vanessa M. Akins Weatherly❤️🎈

There are some individuals whose lives leave an indelible imprint upon every organization, every community, and every person fortunate enough to know them. Vanessa M. Akins Weatherly was one of those rare individuals.

Today, the Huntsville community mourns the loss of a beloved servant leader, devoted woman of faith, and consummate professional. Vanessa's passing leaves a void that will be felt throughout our city, especially at Huntsville Utilities, where she faithfully served for more than four decades.

As the Executive Assistant to the President and CEO of Huntsville Utilities, Vanessa was much more than an employee. During her remarkable 41 years of service—the longest tenure of any employee at the utility—she became an institution unto herself. Through changes in leadership, evolving technologies, and decades of growth, Vanessa remained a steady, trusted, and respected presence. Her professionalism, wisdom, institutional knowledge, and unwavering commitment to excellence made her almost indispensable to the organization and to the many leaders she served, including President and CEO Wes Kelley.

A proud graduate of Oakwood University, Vanessa understood that true leadership is measured not simply by professional achievement, but by service to others. She generously gave her time and talents to numerous organizations, including the Society of Professional Women, the International Association of Administrative Professionals, Executive Women International, Habitat for Humanity, and Junior Achievement. Whether serving locally or nationally, she exemplified servant leadership at its very best.

Vanessa's commitment to lifelong learning and civic engagement never waned. She was a graduate of the Executive Women International Academy of Leadership, a recent graduate of the City of Huntsville Civic Engagement Academy, a member of Cohort XVII of the Tennessee Valley Diversity Leadership Colloquium, and had recently been elected Sergeant-at-Arms for DLC. Even after four decades of distinguished service, Vanessa continued to grow, learn, and lead. She was also preparing to graduate from Huntsville Utilities Leadership Academy, Cohort 6—a testament to her belief that leadership is a journey, not a destination.

Her impact extended far beyond the workplace and civic organizations. Vanessa was a devoted member of Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where her faith was evident through her service. She ministered to young people through the Youth Tutorial Ministry, taught in the Youth Passage Ministry, served as Choir Secretary, sang faithfully in the Unity Choir, and pursued deeper spiritual understanding as a student in the Union Chapel Institute of Biblical Studies.

A proud member of the Huntsville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Vanessa actively supported the chapter's mission through her involvement with the BASICS and Founders Day committees. She understood the importance of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action, and she lived those principles daily.

Yet, beyond the titles, accomplishments, and honors, those who knew Vanessa will most remember her kindness, her quiet strength, her warm spirit, and her gracious demeanor. She possessed the rare ability to make others feel valued and welcomed. She led not by seeking recognition, but by faithfully serving wherever she was needed.

Vanessa was also a devoted wife to Reverend Harold Weatherly, her partner in faith and life. Together, they exemplified love, commitment, and Christian service. Even in her personal pursuits—reading, baking, crafting, and dreaming of one day co-owning a craft boutique—Vanessa brought joy, creativity, and warmth to those around her.

Lives such as Vanessa Weatherly's remind us that greatness is often found not in public acclaim, but in daily acts of faithfulness, kindness, and service. She leaves behind a legacy woven into the fabric of Huntsville itself—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

As we grieve her loss, we also celebrate a life exceptionally well lived. Well done, good and faithful servant. We are heartbroken and we offer our deepest condolences to her dear husband and sister, along with her entire Family. She was a dear friend and colleague.

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy lord." — Matthew 25:23

This week’s edition of The Valley Weekly is available online at http://www.valleyweeklyllc.com/ValleyWeekly06262026V12N43.pdf.

Nelms Memorial Funeral Home
Funeral Announcements

Funeral service for Mrs. Joetta Horton will be held Friday, June 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Meadowlawn Garden of Peace. Public viewing will be held Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM-7:00 PM at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home.

Funeral service for Mrs. Annie M. aka “Fats” Daniel will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. Donte Townsend officiating.

Funeral service for Mr. Dennis Black will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Valley View Memorial Gardens.

Funeral service for Mr. John Dunigan will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Jasper Bacon officiating. Interment will follow at Valley View Memorial Gardens. Mr. Dunigan will lie in repose at Progressive Union M. B. Church from 10:30 AM until 11:00 AM and will resume from upon completion of the Omega Omega Memorial Service. Public viewing will be held Friday, June 19, 2026, from 9:00 AM- 7:00 PM at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home.

Funeral service for Mrs. Lillian Garner Hampton will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Rebecca Primitive Baptist Church. Interment will follow at St. Ruth Cemetery. Mrs. Hampton will lie in repose at St. Rebecca P. B. Church one hour prior to funeral service time. Public viewing will be held Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM-7:00 PM at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home.

Funeral service for Mrs. Gladys Antoinette Crarey will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Oakwood University Seventh-Day Adventist Church with Pastor Debleaire Snell officiating and Dr. Toussaint Williams eulogist. Interment will follow at Oakwood University Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Crarey will lie in repose at Oakwood University Seventh-Day Adventist Church one hour prior to funeral service time. Public viewing will be held Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM-8:00 PM with Family visitation from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home.

Funeral service for Mr. Herbert Lansden is incomplete and will be announced later.

Funeral service for Mr. Michael Holmes is incomplete and will be announced later.

“We Cannot Erase the Sting of Death, but We Can Make It Easier.”