Mrs. Vanessa Kay Lay McKee, age 56 of Sparta, passed away at 8:35am on Monday, September 15, 2025 in the Emergency Room of St. Thomas Highlands Hosptital in Sparta.

Vanessa was born August 7, 1969 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She had a great love for children. Vanessa especially enjoyed working with preschool-age and nursery-aged children; in return, they were always drawn to her. That love and dedication to the care of children not only served her well in her 20 years as a second grade teacher at Greenbrier Elementary School, but most importantly, in her later years to her beloved grandchildren that knew her as Grammie. More recently, she found great enjoyment working alongside her husband at Tennetek. Vanessa will always be remembered as an inspiration for the way she faced adversity with her health issues, and how she managed to leave those hoping to make her a smile with a special smile of their own.

Vanessa is preceded in death by her father, Benny Carl Lay and her brother Matt Lay.

Surviving family members include her husband of 33 years Jim McKee

Three sons: Jesse Nathaniel McKee, Ezekiel Ray McKee and wife Calla, Ian Peyton McKee and wife Chynna

Grandchildren: Ella, Erasmus, Jude and Cullom

Mother: Shelia Lay

Nieces: Kayla Rose, Rachel Baldwin and Adah Baldwin

Sister-in-law: Lori Baldwin

Funeral services will be conducted 12:00pm Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Long Hollow Baptist Church. The family will receive friends after 11:00am Saturday at the Church. In honor of Vanessa's wishes, she will be cremated following her funeral service. Kenny Brooks will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vanderbilt Monroe Carroll Children's Hospital in care of Hunter Funeral Home, PO Box 90, Sparta, TN 38583