HITCHCOCK – Vanessa Kay Sonnier, 63, of Hitchcock, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026. She was born on September 3, 1962, in Galveston, Texas.

Vanessa dedicated her life to caring for others. As a nurse, she faithfully served patients at the University of Texas Medical Branch for more than 10 years. Her compassion, kindness, and commitment to helping those in need left a lasting impact on countless families. Vanessa had a remarkable love for the Lord. She and Johnny were long time members of Strong Tower Ministries in Hitchcock.

Outside of her nursing career, Vanessa embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She loved spending time outdoors fishing and crabbing along the Texas coast, finding peace and happiness near the water she had loved since childhood. She also enjoyed basketball and track, sports that reflected her competitive spirit and determination. In the kitchen, Vanessa expressed her love through cooking, delighting family and friends with meals made from the heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleveland Osberry and Jane Janette (Black) Osberry Russell; brothers, Kurt Osberry, Darnell Black; stepfather, Tommy Russell.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, John “Johnny” Sonnier; sons, John Jones and wife, Ebony, Terrance Sonnier, Rodney Martin; brother, Cleveland Osberry, Jr. and wife, Rose.

Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Strong Tower Ministries, 7801 Burn Street, Hitchcock, Texas, with Pastor Michael Adams officiating. Interment will be at Rising Star Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Dominick Banks, Sugar Ray Destin, Jr., Kohl Filer, Taurian Fontenette, Nizay Pate, J. D. Robinson, Jacob Robinson and Akel Sonnier.