Evangelist Vanessa Taylor Ralls

Vanessa Lee Jones Taylor Ralls was born on May 8, 1961, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the union of Thomas and Glenacee (Robinson) Jones. She was the youngest of five children. Vanessa departed this life on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 2:34 a.m. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Willie Gillam.

Vanessa went to Sixth District School (K-6), St. Francis Seraph (7-9), then to Our Lady of Angels (10-12), from where she graduated, Class of 1979. Vanessa went on to attend Cincinnati Technical College (now Cincinnati State) from where she received a certificate as a Medical Clerical Assistant (Transcriptionist). Vanessa worked in the healthcare field for many years at UC Health, Ohio Heart and the Christ Hospital, where she worked the last 10 years as a Pre-Service Access Coordinator.

Vanessa started attending Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Church at the age of 10 with her grandma, Ruby Dial. She was baptized at the age of 12 and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. She served faithfully under the pastorate of Bishop Elzie W. Young (until his passing in 1989), Bishop Johnnie L. Johnson (until his passing in 2005) and the present pastor, Bishop James Chapman. Evangelist Taylor, having been ordained in 2019 at the PCAF Convention, was very busy at her church. She was one of the Associate Pastors, a Sunday School Teacher and Preacher who has evangelized throughout the Tri-State, including Georgia, Tennessee, California and even as far as Hawaii. Vanessa has always had a heart for the youth and served as Director of Big & Little Sisters, Assistant Director of the Teen Academy under the founder, Trustee Allen Seay and Facilitator/Spiritual Advisor with the Youth Ministries. She was also a Praise Dancer, Praise and Worship Leader, Choir Director, Comedienne and Director of the Drama Ministry. In 1994, Vanessa wrote her first play entitled, “Miracles of Jesus” for Teen Academy. “Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That” (2015) is the tenth play that she has written. Her plays have successfully packed the house and inspired audiences to salvation. Evangelist Taylor’s motto for life is, “I Want to Live So God Can Use Me, Any Time or Any Where!” Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful!

On November 15, 2003, Vanessa was united in Holy Matrimony to Charles Anthony Taylor. He departed this life on March 14, 2010 (exactly 10 years after the day they met), after a lengthy illness. On Sunday, July 5, 2020, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Dwayne Stephen Ralls, until her passing.

Vanessa is survived by her husband, Dwayne Ralls; her sisters, Terrie Evans and Antoinette Sorrells; her brother, Gregory Gillam; her nieces, Sheila Gillam, Regina Gillam, Canita Alexander (Anthony) and Marcia Gillam; her nephews, Willie Gillam Christopher Gillam, Joshua Sorrells (Lillie), Montez Sorrells (Jocelyn) and Regis Sorrells; 30 great nieces, 28 great nephews, 71 great-great nieces, 22 great-great nephews, one great-great-great niece and two great-great-great nephews — and she enjoyed them all; her special godmother, Evangelist Betty Ann Gibson; her very close friends and family, all who assisted in her care throughout her journey; her godchildren and godgrandson, Easton who affectionately called her MaWee; Dwayne’s aunt, Geraldine Davis, who had a special place in her heart — thanks for all the Sunday meals; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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