Vanessa Ebbelene Cottrell was born December 14, 1964 to Marchmond and Lillie Cook Cottrell. She completed her high school education by earning her GED and spent the next several yeas moving all over the southeastern United States before settling in Crump, TN where she remained for the next 15 years. Eventually she met and married James Paul Crites.

Vanessa worked as a waitress all of her life, beginning at River Heights Restaurant in Crump, TN., followed by ten years at The Golden Dragon in Savannah. Her attention to detail and her organizational skills made her a favorite with all her customers.

When she wasn't serving the public, she was going to the creek, usually Flat Gap Creek in Olive Hill area. Wading and tanning were her favorite pastimes there, but not the only ways in which she spent her spare time. She loved playing with her grandbabies and taking care of her boys; family time was often spent playing dice and all kinds of card games. Home projects and honey-do lists were her specialty and she always enjoyed the feeling that came with the completion of the latest endeavor. Just recently, apple trees were planted, an extension of her love of gardening. Tomato plants were always included but her favorite thing to grow was cucumbers. Having fresh produce was a plus since she was a wonderful cook, especially when it came to cornbread and beans. Quiet times were spent listening to her husband play his guitar; she loved music and always enjoyed his musical ability.

Vanessa Ebbelene Cottrell Crites left this world on July 27, 2014 a the age of 49 years, 7 months and 13 days. She leaves behind her husband, James, of Crump, TN., her four sons, Kenneth Ray Martin II of Fort Campbell, KY., Arick Matthew Martin of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Johnathan James Crites of Crump, TN. and Christopher Lee Martin, also of Crump, TN. her father Marchmond Cottrell of Big Clifty, KY., three granddaughters, Zoey Jane Martin, Arianna Danielle Martin and Lillie Paige Martin, and two grandsons, Collyn Ray Martin and Kindle Lee Martin.

She was preceded in death by her mother Lillie Cook Cottrell.

Visitation : Saturday August 2 2014 after 11:00 AM CDT until time of service at Watkins-Oller Funeral Home.

Services : Saturday August 2 2014 at 1:00 PM CDT at Watkins-Oller Funeral Home.

Interment : Cook Cemetery