Vaneesa Lynn Prater McKinney, age 59, of Harriman Tennessee, passed away after a courageous battle with brain cancer on September 17, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville Tennessee.

Born on September 3, 1967, Vaneesa was raised in Oliver Springs, Tennessee, where she grew up and formed deep roots before making her home in Harriman. She faced her illness with immense strength, grace, and bravery, surrounded by the love of her family. Vaneesa’s greatest joy in life was her family, and she cherished her role as a wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Growing up in her beloved hometown, Vaneesa attended Oliver Springs Elementary through Oliver Springs High School, where she built an unforgettable network of lifelong school friends, she was also blessed with deep, meaningful bonds with her extra special friends, Samantha Fritts Durfee and Jackie Jones Gallaher, who brought immense joy and constant companionship to her life. Vaneesa will be deeply missed by her lifetime friends, family, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her loving mother Janet Mayron Hembree; her devoted husband James McKinney; her brother Shannon Prater and wife Leah; her daughter Summer McKinney Rich, and her husband Travas Rich; and her sons, Mark McKinney (and girlfriend Karen Lively), and Zane McKinney.

She was the proud grandmother of Keirra McKinney, Carly McKinney, Breanna Rich, Ansleigh Rich, Olivia Deason, Luke Deason; and the adoring great-grandmother of Kynzlie, Everleigh, and Kreed.

Vaneesa is also survived by her extended family, including her brother-in-law Rickey McKinney and wife Lena; and her sister-in-laws, Teresa McGhee and husband Mack, Regennia Lewis and husband Wayne, and Renda Gunter and husband Willie.

She was preceded in death by her father Carl Prater.

She will be receiving friends on Tuesday September 22, from 5:00PM until 7:00PM and service at 7 at Sharps Funeral Home in Oliver Springs Tennessee

Graveside service and burial will take place on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM at New Fairview Baptist Church in Oliver Springs Tennessee.