Vanessa Dawn Bailey-Darden

1963 - 2023

Vanessa Dawn Bailey-Darden, 60, of Bardstown, died Sept. 26, 2023, after a long courageous fight with breast cancer. She was born June 6, 1963, to Doris Bailey and Charles Payne in Columbia. Although she was a rebellious teen, she always managed to find her way back into her mother's arms. Vanessa shared so many memories with friends visiting Weavers, having Mexican food at Elmo's or hosting barbecues at her home. Best believe she was going to be there taking pictures, with a drink in her hand.
Vanessa will always be remembered for how she could make a friend anywhere she went. You can ask a co-worker about her at any job she held, and the first words are always "I just love Vanessa!" She was a hard worker, sometimes working two jobs at a time, with no complaints. She just loved life. She would always be the first one to tell you how proud she was, or how cute you look. Vanessa wanted to see everyone shine, not realizing how bright her own light was. She didn't take care of people for the praise, she just did it because she loved you.
There is no better way to describe Vanessa, than she was the life of the party. The moment she walked into a room, she commanded all the attention with her upbeat personality and alluring energy. Vanessa never met a strange rand would give the shirt off her back to those she loved. From Columbia, Ky., to Springfield, Tenn. And literally every place in between you will find someone who has a story about a fun time with Vanessa.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Savannah Porter; brothers, Darrell Bailey and Shawn Dowlen; a nephew, Phillip Bailey and her mother, Doris Bailey.
She is survived by her husband, Reggie Darden of Bardstown; a sister, Shelly Waters of Bardstown; a brother, Derrick Dowlen of Springfield, Tenn.; grandchildren, Kaylendra Hardin, Korian Hardin and Kylie Porter, of Bardstown; a great-grandchild, Messiah Hardin, of Bardstown; niece, Joslynne (Patrick) Reed of Bardstown and the Elmo Sisters of Springfield, Tenn.; and several family and friends.
The funeral was 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at New Wells Grove Baptist Church in Springfield, Tenn. The Rev. Ricky Summers officiated.