Vanessa Katrin Jones, a woman deeply dedicated to uplifting others, creating community, and making an impact far and wide, passed away on April 16th, 2026, in Columbus, GA. Born on May 20th, 1975, in Mainz, Germany, to Regina and Irvin Thames, Vanessa moved to America at the age of 19, beginning her young adult life in Killeen, Texas. She spent most of her adult life in Tampa, Florida, where she raised her daughter, Imani. She later moved to Columbus, Georgia, and true to her nature, she made a deep impression on everyone who has grown to know and love her.
Vanessa leaves us all with memories rooted in joy, laughter and love, sincere positivity, and service to others. She is remembered by her deep passion for her Afro-German Heritage, her uniqueness and dignified strength. Vanessa created a variety of communities centered in genuine friendship, kinship and sisterhood, always operating as a connector.
To be around her meant to always be laughing, to feel uplifted and unstoppable. Vanessa’s spirit and presence brought an unwavering warmth and comfort. To know her meant being met with the most infectious smile, and a magnetic spirit that will not be forgotten, but is also impossible to forget.
Vanessa had a deep passion for music, dancing, and all things joyful. In her free time, you could find her antiquing for hidden treasures, spending time at the beach/or thinking about spending time at the beach, spending time with her daughter, or most often listening to music. For Vanessa, music (specifically hip hop and funk) was never just background noise, it was an invitation to stroll down memory lane. A reason to reach out and spark a conversation with an old friend and embrace nostalgia. She was our personal Facebook DJ.
She is survived by her mother Regina Thames, her husband Arthur Jones and her daughter Imani Jones and a wide circle of extended family—aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends/sisters spanning across oceans.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends before and after the service at the funeral home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.
A repast will be held immediately following the memorial service at the Columbus Museum, located at 1251 Wynnton Rd, Columbus, GA 31906.
May she rest well amongst her ancestors, and be met by her father Irvin Thames, where the party continues above, as it has below.
https://www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com/obituaries/vanessa-jones
