Cora Elem

Born on October 24, 1960, Cora Vanessa Elem, 59, simply and affectionately known to her family and friends as “Vanessa”, unexpectedly transitioned to glory on July 9, 2020. A Chicago native, born in Memphis, TN, Vanessa was the youngest daughter of the seven children born to the union of the late Cleveland, Sr. and Mattie Mae Elem. Vanessa accepted the love and salvation of Christ our Lord at a very young age at New Philadelphia Baptist Church in Chicago, IL. Vanessa was reared in the Robert Taylor Homes of Chicago and received her education in the Chicago Public School System. She graduated from Simeon High School in 1978. Vanessa’s life was fulfilled by being with her family, especially her mother and older sister. It was not uncommon that where you would find one, the other was not very far behind. Most people referred to them as “The Three Musketeers”. You could often find them traveling together to visit family in Detroit and Memphis. They enjoyed so much of their lives together that the passing of her two Musketeers left a void that was impossible to fill. Nonetheless, Vanessa continued to press on and enjoy her life surrounded by family and friends, mostly on holidays. She will forever be remembered for her loud, exuberant laugh and for the life that she brought to every party! Vanessa was a dedicated and loving sister to Deborah Elise and Kenneth Warren, Sr. (Ernestine), who preceded her in death. She also leaves to celebrate her life her 4 adoring brothers - Michael (Deborah), Cleveland, Jr. (Walnetti), Stanley, and Vincent (Beverly). Vanessa was cherished by her two remaining aunts, Katie Bethea and Vivian Shipp, 13 nieces, 4 nephews, 4 great-nieces, 6 great-nephews, and a host of cousins and friends. Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois.