Who was Vanessa Knowles and how did she die? Lisa Knowles Smith grieves her mother’s passing

FESTUS, Missouri: Gospel singer Vanessa Knowles, a founding member of the gospel quartet The Brown Singers, passed away on Sunday following a multi-vehicle crash on the I-55 highway. She was 63.

According to reports, the accident occurred when 45-year-old tractor-trailer driver Richard Holden failed to notice slow-moving traffic and struck the rear of a Toyota Camry. The impact caused a chain reaction involving eight vehicles.

The driver and a passenger in the Camry died, along with one person from another vehicle. Five others sustained injuries — two were reported in serious condition, while three were moderately hurt.

Knowles, who began The Brown Singers in 1976 at just 14 years old, was among the victims. Her daughter, gospel singer Lisa Knowles Smith, confirmed the news on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support through calls and messages.

Holden is currently being held at Jefferson County Jail on three counts of involuntary manslaughter.

In 2012, Knowles was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. She underwent six months of chemotherapy and 34 radiation sessions before recovering. The singer later founded Survivor Fest with her group to encourage and support cancer survivors.

She also shared her journey in her book, Breast Cancer and Me: Dealing With Your State of Mind, published on September 22, 2021. In it, she credited prayer for giving her strength, emphasizing her belief that God answers every prayer. The book’s introduction urged readers to build a close relationship with God as a guide through life’s challenges.

Knowles is survived by her two daughters, including Lisa Knowles Smith, who continues to perform with the group now known as Lisa Knowles-Smith and The Brown Singers. Fans have flooded the group’s Facebook page with tributes honoring her life and legacy.

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