To our beloved Vashti, or “The Jones” as she was fondly called.
I am Joyce Bannerman Spruill, “Aunty Yarwo,” or “old Mom,” as Vashti was so fond of calling me. What can I say about Vashti that you all do not already know, because Vashti was the same Vashti 24 X 7 She was a very generous person, kind loving and concern about family and friends. She was very special
There are so many happy memories of Vashti during her stay in Raleigh, North Carolina with us, every day was a happy time when we all got together , cooking, eating which would automatically turn into a party when Latim, Terrance, Wilfred, Pearl, Zuma, and the others would find out that we were cooking.
Vashti would always be the one in the kitchen making fufu and soup or her favorite Banku and okra sauce which we all enjoyed. Jessica would say to me to this day “Grandma, cook that okra sauce like aunty Vashti oh”
Even thought Vashti moved out of Raleigh, she still kept in touch with us through emails and phone calls letting me know what she was up to and when I responded to her she would always say” Old ma , you can worry too much”
There was nothing that was too good for Vashti to give me or to do for me. She stood by me during my wedding, and thru sad times. She would surprise me time after time with her generosity. Many time I would come from work and she would say, “oh ma, come I bought you some hair come sit down let me do your hair for you what’s happen now”
That was my Vashti, my daughter, my little friend. We share a lot of secrets which she is taking to her grave with her.
Vashti, you are gone but your memories will never be for gotten, there are so many fond memories of a life so short but well lived. We can take counsel in the knowledge that you are in a better place and we will stride to see you in that getting up morning and seeing that beautiful smile again where there will be no more pain, tears, sickness or death..
Rest my beautiful angel, we love you but God loves you best sleep and take your rest.
We the family cannot thank everybody enough for their support and thoughtfulness during this difficult time. Each and everyone one has made the grieving process just a little bit easier. Vashti would be touched that so many people cared so deeply for her.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, as we can not be present today, because as this is going on we I at the funeral for our aunt Margaret who is being buried today in Greenville
Death beckoned her with outstretched hand and whispered softly of “an unknown land” but she was not afraid to go for though the path she did not know she took death’s hand without fear for he who safely brought her here had told her he would lead the way into eternity’s bright day. Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast be faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of the lord.
Joyce Bannerman
For the family
Vashti Cicely Jones was born to Kreston Jones and Wellington Yancy on the 17th of April 1980. The youngest of nine, Vashti aspired to become an actress. At the age of 28; she not only had accomplished her dreams but had also added writer, producer, director and philanthropist (Vashti Jones Foundation) to her portfolio.
Vashti’s death is a shock to us all. She was too young, but, as it slowly occurred to me she indeed lived her life wonderfully, she accomplished so much in her young life. We are all so very proud.
As Modern Ghana so eloquently put it "Vashti Jones (aka Nana Yaa) is one up and coming actress who can be described as a lady with beauty and talent".
The family of Vashti Cicely Jones regrets to announce her sudden death due to a brief illness, this sad event occurred in Accra, Ghana on June 17th, 2008.
