Vanessa Irene Duling

DULING, Vanessa Irene, 68, of Richmond, Va., passed away on September 15, 2021 and was finally able to find peace after a fierce and courageous battle against Parkinson's and COVID-19. She was preceded in death by her parents, Police Chief Col. Frank S. Duling and Mary Irene Maiden Duling. She is survived by her children, Vanessa Anne Preston and Wayne Eugene Preston Jr.; and her grandchildren, Darianne Irene Preston, Kaleb Wayne Preston Dwyer and Aiden Dane Preston Dwyer. She was born and raised in Richmond and graduated from John Marshall High School. Her biggest life influences were her father and his brother, Dalton "Ricky" Duling, who was Sergeant Santa of Richmond. Growing up, she went to Northminster Baptist Church and for the last decade, she was a member of The Episcopal Church of the Creator. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was beautiful inside and out and was loved by everyone who knew her. She faced her illness with tremendous strength and bravery. "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." -Revelation 21:4. A viewing and visitation will be held starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at The Episcopal Church of the Creator, 7159 Mechanicville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, Va., followed by a funeral service at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Vanessa and Darianne COVID and Financial Relief Fund at https://gofund.me/cbd0d7a0 or donations can be made out to The Episcopal Church of the Creator with "For Vanessa & Darianne Relief Fund" in the memo line, may God bless you. Online condolences may be left registered at bennettfuneralhomes.com.