Update: Our family is short for the funeral cost for Vanessa, anything would be appreciated to help us with the loss that we just endured.

Our family is reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for your help during one of the most difficult times imaginable.

Our beloved Vanessa McClendon, 39, is a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She has been bravely fighting Autoimmune Encephalitis, a devastating condition that has taken a tremendous toll on her health. Vanessa is the proud mother of two children — her daughter Niasia, who lives in South Carolina with her grandfather, and her son, who lives in Enterprise, Oregon, with his grandmother.

Vanessa’s journey has been incredibly hard. She is currently on a tracheostomy and was recently removed from her feeding tube. Doctors are now only able to provide comfort care as we prepare for the heartbreaking reality that she is nearing the end of her life.

While in nursing care, Vanessa developed severe bed sores that were not properly treated, leading to a serious bone infection. Sadly, there is nothing more doctors can do to stop the infection, and we have been told that we must now focus on keeping her comfortable until she passes. Which she has passes on October 16th 2025

We want to honor Vanessa’s life the way she deserves — with dignity, love, and peace. Our family is asking for help to cover the costs of her cremation and a celebration of her life. Any amount, no matter how small, will help us give her a proper farewell and ease the financial burden on our family during this heartbreaking time.

Vanessa is a vibrant soul who has touched so many lives with her kindness and strength. Please consider donating or sharing this page to help us celebrate the beautiful person she is and the love she has shared with all of us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

— Vanessa’s Family