Vanessa Elena Dering

Vanessa Elena Sellers Dering, 72, of Sherman, Texas, was gently called home to heaven on Sunday, November 30, 2025. A bright and tender soul, she left this world surrounded by the love she spent her entire life giving so freely.

Born on December 23, 1952, in Dallas, Texas, to Dolores and Lloyd Sellers, Vanessa was the treasured youngest child and only daughter among four children. From the beginning, she held a special place in her family-a soft heart in a house full of boys, and the one who would grow to embody compassion in everything she did.

Vanessa devoted 35 years to nursing as an LVN, answering a calling that perfectly matched the gentleness of her spirit. After graduating from El Centro College, she began a lifelong career of caring for others, whether in med-surg, at a girls's home, or ultimately in mental health-where her empathy shone brightest. She spent most of her career in the Behavioral Health Unit at TMC, guiding patients through some of their hardest moments with patience, grace, and unwavering kindness. When she retired in 2012, it was to embrace her favorite role of all: loving and spoiling her grandchildren.

On June 29, 1972, she married David Eugene Dering, her best friend and long love of her life. After many years of infertility, their prayers were answered with the birth of their daughter, Rachael-a blessing Vanessa never took for granted. Though David passed away in 1998, Vanessa held his memory tenderly in her heart for the rest of her life. In 2012, she became "Gaga," a title she cherished more than any other. Her grandchildren were her joy, her purpose, and her partners in countless adventures at parks, playgrounds, and anywhere laughter could be found.

Faith was the quiet but steady anchor of Vanessa's life. Raised Catholic, she carried a deep and abiding relationship with God, turning to Him in moments of celebration and in seasons of hardship. Her prayers were constant, her trust unwavering.

Her love extended to all living things-especially animals. Rarely was she without a pet to care for and adore. The innocence of animals touched her deeply, and she remained a devoted supporter of Australia Zoo and the wildlife conservation efforts she admired so much.

Vanessa is preceded in death by her parents, Dolores and Lloyd Sellers; brothers Keith, Hank, and Alan Sellers; her beloved husband David Dering; nephew Paul Dering; and several dear friends who welcomed her home with open arms. She is survived by her daughter, Rachael Dering, and son-in-law, Eric Bradburn of Sherman; and her grandchildren, Ryan and Lidia Bradburn, who were the light of her later years. She is also survived by brother and sister-in-love, Darryle and Claire Dering; and many nieces, nephews, and their children: Jason & Jouleen Dering (Morrison & Jackson), Brian & Cindy Dering (Max, Emmi, Samuel, & Adeline), James Dering (Adam, Jasmine, Julia, Aaron, & Joy), and McKenzie Dering.

She shared a special bond with her bonus daughter and son-in-law, Brandon and Tracey Presley, and deeply loved their daughters, Alexandria and Mackenzie.

Vanessa was the embodiment of tenderness, strength, and quiet resilience. She had a way of making every person she met feel seen, valued, and safe. To know her was to be touched by her kindness-and to lose her is to feel the world a little dimmer.

But her light remains, carried in the hearts of all who loved her.

Revelation 21:4

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

The Aaronic Blessing – Numbers 6:24–26

"The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you peace;

The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you."

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Vanessa's name to Wildlife Warriors https://wildlifewarriors.org.au/ started by Steve and Terri Irwin, or by supporting animal conservation through the Australia zoo website. You can choose to virtually "adopt an animal" or "sponsor a crocodile" - both organizations close to her heart.