Vanessa Belton

Vanessa Sha’Ni Belton of West Haven, CT entered eternal rest on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025. She was born in New Haven, CT on April 26, 1997, to Banesha S. Belton and Bernard C. Farmer. Vanessa graduated from West Haven High School in 2015 as a High Honor Student. This achievement granted her a full ride academic scholarship to Delaware State University’s HBCU, where she studied nursing and movement science to obtain her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. Vanessa was also an athlete that achieved many awards and certificates throughout her life in sports. From soccer to basketball, track to swimming and tennis, she’s done it all. Vanessa attended dance school as well and loved all types of music. Bryson Tiller, along with Mariah, The Scientist were some of her favorites. Burning Blue by Mariah, The Scientist was her favorite song, and pink was her favorite color. She also had a love of art, photography, and a love for butterflies, which is the meaning behind her name. Vanessa was passionate about food and learning different ways to make different things. She enjoyed a fulfilling career in the food industry for many years, working for franchises such as Starbucks, Olive Garden, Chips, Fridays and loved her role as a server and bartender working for Bon Chon and Red Lobster. In addition to this, Vanessa was a go-getter and trendsetter. She was an amazing entrepreneur and was an employed Social Media Influencer and model for YouTube and Instagram, captivating thousands of subscribers on all platforms where she gave hairstyle tutorials, make-up tutorials and promoted hair care products for many, including celebrities such as actress Gabrielle Union and Singer Rihanna. Vanessa was not only beautiful, but very smart, bold and funny. She loved to laugh but was not afraid to speak her mind when she felt something was wrong. She loved being around her family and friends, especially during the holidays and enjoyed spending time and traveling with her boyfriend Markus, who she loved dearly. Vanessa was loved and was a true joy to be around. She was a light that always shined bright and was an outstanding inspiration to others at home and across the world. Her siblings truly looked up to her and her mother adored her, raising her while growing up with her at the tender age of 15. Vanessa was predeceased by a younger brother, Joseph Hallie Johnson, stepfather, Maurice J. Johnson, aunt, Vanessa Marie Farmer (who she’s named after) and grandparents, Bernard M. Chapman and Sharon Elizabeth Farmer. She is survived by mother, Banesha S. Belton-Johnson (Rasheen), of New Haven, CT, Father, Bernard C. Farmer, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, three brothers: JaQuay Black, (Staysha) of Meriden CT, Kyza Farmer, of Miami, FL and Maurice Johnson, Jr. (Behar) of New Haven, CT. Two sisters: Natalya Laylany Farmer of Miami, FL, and Janet-Rose Johnson of New Haven, CT, also grandparents, Rosemarie Belton, Deneen Taylor and Bobbie Bell. One nephew and one niece, and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Vanessa, you are taking a little part of us with you as you follow your angels who will guide you to your precious place of eternal peace. May you look down on us with pride on what you brought to this world, a life lived with love and an inspiration to us all. Your footsteps can never be filled nor your love ever forgotten. It might be goodbye for now, but your story lives on forever.

Vanessa Belton

April 26, 1997 - April 26, 2025