Vanessa Louis Hitchens, 53 LAUREL - After a long and courageous battle, Vanessa Louise Hitchens exited her earthly home to spend eternity with the Lord Wednesday, December 30, 2009, in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital. She was 53. Vanessa was born to Joseph and Virginia Palmer on January 15, 1956. Sue, as she was affectionately known to her family and friends, attended schools in the Seaford School District. She graduated from Seaford Senior High School in 1974. Sue was employed as a cook with the Friendly's Restaurant in Seaford for many years until she became ill. Her humble personality made her a friend to all. She was joined in Holy Matrimony to her best friend, Ronald Hitchens Sr. November 23, 1995. They became faithful and dedicated servants of God. She worked for years along side her husband in their own food ministry. She would help cook and prepare platters for those in need. Even when her lungs began failing, Sue never stopped preparing meals for others. She was a true worshipper, and she loved praising God. Sue was a fun loving daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother. When she wasn't assisting Ronnie with the food mission, she was either cooking for her family or hosting one of many sleepovers with the grandkids. She enjoyed preparing her specialty, macaroni and cheese, for the Palmer Family's annual summer barbecues. Sue was a member of St. Matthews First Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Nathan McCoy. She was instrumental in bringing the women of the church together when she organized "Secret Sisters," a women's fellowship ministry. She was preceded in death by her brothers-in-law, Ty White and Tyrone Hitchens; and sister-in-law, Vera Hitchens. Vanessa leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted husband, Ronald; parents, Joseph and Virginia Palmer of Laurel; her in-laws, Donald Lee and Lorraine Kitchens of Laurel; sons, Corey Palmer of Seaford and Marlon (Betsy) Palmer of Bear; stepson, Ronald Hitchens Jr. of Delmar; stepdaughter, Roniell (Dante) Trader of Delmar; grandchildren, Corey Palmer Jr. and Jayden Palmer, Christian, Cyle, and Caidyn Hitchens, Terontae Fisher, Daijah Brown, Dymond Trader, and Dante Trader Jr.; sisters, Althea White, Sharon (Elwood) Holley, and Verdine (Forrest) Puckham; brothers, Gerald (Linda) Echols of Newport News, Va., Joseph Palmer Jr. of Atlanta, Ga., Rayfield Palmer, Kevin (Shirley) Palmer, Andre Palmer, and Patrick Palmer, all of Laurel; sister-in-law, Rochelle (Kendall) Camper; brothers-in-law, Donald Hitchens Jr., Michael (Elaine) Hitchens of Pleasantville, N.J. and Kenneth (Migdalia) Hitchens of Egg Harbor, N.J.; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A public viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2010 at the St. Matthews Baptist Church, Laurel. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2010 at The Bible Center, 7th Street, Laurel. Interment will be in St. Matthews Baptist Church Cemetery. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook may be signed at www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Seaford.