Month: June 2023

Vanesse Darlene Mills, 61 of Aliquippa, PA departed this life on June 18, 2023. Born April 24, 1962, she was the daughter of Donald and Loretta Mills.

Vanesse graduated from Aliquippa High School in 1980. Naturally talented with her hands and gifted with creative abilities, she continued her educational pursuit, receiving her cosmetology license from Ardom Beauty Academy, in Beaver PA. Affectionately known as “Missy”, she embodied the very essence of that name. She possessed a loving, energetic, ambitious, tenacious, and infectious spirit. Missy never met a stranger and entreated all those she encountered with a wave, or a shout, greeting everyone in her own unique and jovial manner. Always the life of the party, she never needed a reason or special occasion to celebrate. Missy found pleasure in the simple things of life, pictures, ornaments, figurines, and knickknacks. She loved fried chicken and also enjoyed cooking and baking, and her specialty was homemade cinnamon rolls. And yet, Missy’s truest treasure and greatest delight was her 3 children. She would never miss the opportunity to share their personal endeavors, and accomplishments. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and had such a fond and special relationship with each of them. Missy dearly loved her family and friends and with her big, bright, bubbly spirit always on display, even a stranger was made to feel at home in her presence. Full of love and laughter, genuine in heart, Missy will truly be missed for she possessed the unique ability to leave an indelible mark upon all who met her. Of a truth, to know her was to love her and to remember her name “MISSY.”

Missy was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Loretta Mills and brother Anthony Mills.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sisters; Melvina Mills, Annette (Eugene) Mills both of Aliquippa, PA. Children Marvin (Danielle) Mills, Latosha Mills, both of PA and Quanear (Shante) Gaskins of Coventry, CT, 7 Grandchildren Tajae Mills, Marquese Moore, Makayla Mills, Taylor Peebles, Kaelah Gaskins, Christian Gaskins and Elias Gaskins and 1 great-grandchild Ameyah Moore. Devoted friends; Edward Taylor, Alice Carter, Annette Lowe, Cary Spears. Special cousins: Charon Chappell, Kimberly Moreland, Teddy Steals.

Family and Friends will be received at Christian Lighthouse Ravine & Highland Avenue, Aliquippa, PA 15001 on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 5:00pm-8:00pm Homegoing Service Thursday, June 29, 2023, 12:00pm. Services provided by Washington Funeral Homes & Cremation 1411 6 th Avenue, Beaver Falls, Pa Regina Washington Supervisor.

Wendel David LaVette, (73), of Beaver County, passed away on June 1, 2023 after a long battle with cancer and coronary artery disease. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, he managed his illnesses with strength and grace allowing God to be his guide.

Wendel, fondly knows as Jack or Jackie, was born to the late James “Sparky” LaVette and Mother Daisy Bailey (LaVette-Glover) on January 4, 1950. This multitalented soul loved sports, music and anything
working with his hands. In 1968, Jackie enrolled in Suomi Jr. College where he studied music education, played basketball, was vice-president of the Varsity Club, a member of the choir and met lifelong friends. After graduating with an Associate’s Degree in
1970, Mr. “Cool-Breeze” was a member of a band called the STEROS. He enjoyed traveling and playing the base guitar. Wendal was later a certified and licensed electrician, who worked with his brother Douglas as a cable sub-contractor, and many years as the head maintenance man at Beaver Valley Mall. But he never lost his passion for music.

In 1977 the twinkle in his eyes was born, Jackinah Denise, his one and only child. The bond between a father and daughter is unbreakable and up until the time of his death they were as close as a father-daughter could be. She knew he loved her and he knew she loved him. Wendal was not just a father, but a grandfather to two young men; Jay LaVette (28) and Mike Giles (21). Both carried on the love for sports and music as their grandfather did by playing instruments, running track and guards on basketball teams even wearing some of his old numbers.

Waiting to greet him at heaven’s gates and welcome him home are his father and mother, Sparky and Daisy; one sister, Donna Jarrett (Ronald); three brothers, James LaVette (Henrietta), William LaVette, and Douglas LaVette.

He is endeared by a multitude of family, friends, and acquaintances, which include one daughter, Jackinah LaVette Andrews; two grandsons, Jay LaVette and Mike Giles; one brother Edward LaVette, two
sister-in-laws Jackie (William’s widow), and Marsha (Douglas’ widow); and countless of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Per Wendel’s request there will not be a service. A private memorial will be held in Michigan next month. All condolences, per request of the family, should be sent to daughter, Jackinah Denise at

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