Welcome to the
memorial page for
Planet A. Vassell
October 20, 1945
~September 2, 2024
OBITUARY
SERVICE DETAILS
Planet Ann Vassell began her life's journey on Saturday, October 20th, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was granted eternal life on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, while residing at the Complete Care at Ocean Grove nursing home.
She was the only child born of the union between Rebecca (nee Flagg) and Edward B. Moody. Named after her paternal grandmother, Planet was lovingly known as "Ann" throughout her adult life.
Planet received her early education in Catholic school then later transferred into the West Philadelphia Public School System. She was an avid reader and excelled in English courses, developing a love for Shakespeare and writing poetry. A proud "Philly Girl", Planet loved high school basketball games, her father's beloved Nittany Lions of Penn State and the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as the Philadelphia Eagles.
Upon completing her education, Planet worked as a waitress and was once approached about modelling. In 1965 she began her life in New Jersey with now ex-husband, Herbert Cause. Together they raised 3 daughters; Connie, Marcie (Bridget) and Crystal in what was then called New Shrewsbury.
Throughout her time in New Jersey, Planet worked at many jobs including Midland Glass, Shrewsbury Manor, Laird's Distillery, Seals Eastern and Monmouth Regional High School. At the time of her retirement, Planet was an Activities Coordinator at Tower Lodge Care Center in Wall, NJ.
Planet's life was filled with more than just working. She joined Calvary Baptist Church in Red Bank, serving as a past president of the Nurses Unit, spearheading the drive to collect food for local pantries as well as sang in the Women's Choir. It was there on December 3rd,1988, that Planet and Keith Vassell exchanged vows. They remained married until his passing on April 27th, 2016.
Planet had eclectic tastes in music, loved boating with friends, family cook outs and long drives along Jersey roads to watch the leaves change each fall. She was a member of the Ruth's Lodge of the Eastern Stars, rising to the rank of Daughter of the Amaranth.
Planet found her spiritual home on June 26th, 2016, while attending the Installation Service of Reverend James Jackson at First Baptist Church. She later called her daughter and declared "I want to join that church!" On August 7th, 2022 her goal was realized.
"Read Ephesians 6:13-14" was her favorite advice to give.
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm..." (NIV)
GiGi, as Planet is now known, leaves to cherish her memory 3 daughters Connie Smith (Lorenza), Bridget Johnson-Cause, and Crystal Jones (Claude Sr.); 9 grandchildren Claude Jones Jr. (Nicole), Tiffany Jones and Joseph Sottile,
Terrell Jones (Autumn), Jordan Cause, Alecia Jenkins (Corey), Michael Smith, Connie Briscoe (Rodney), Bryan Smith, and Jamel Smith (Nikita); 24 great-grandchildren; 2 daughters of the heart Judy Schimpf and Alicia Jacocks; one Sister in Christ Evangelist Sandra Davis and a host of very special friends.