Mary M. Vance passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021, at the age of 83, with family at her bedside.
She was born on May 21, 1937 to Bertha Payne Blankenship and Mose Blankenship of Jolo, WV.
She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She grew up singing solos in church and was a devoted member of the congregation at Family Worship Center in Jolo, WV. She most enjoyed visits and holidays with her entire family, especially those filled with her grand babies. Her favorite activities included sewing, quilting and embroidery, shopping on QVC, baking her famous biscuits, feeding and watching the birds from her front porch, watching The Carol Burnette show, Mama’s Family, and listening to evangelist Jimmy Swaggart. She also shared a special bond with her dog, Brownie.
Survivors include her children, Connie Kingery and husband Rick, Bonnie Allen, Vickie Stacy and husband Ronnie, Edgel Vance Jr., Barbara Vance, and Keisha Raker; sister, Grace Holland; brother, Bobby Blankenship; grandchildren, Johnny Ray Allen Jr., Heather Allen, Leah Martin, Amanda Galloway, Leann Freimer, Kayla Birchfield, John Randall Sadler, Aimie Estep, Ethan Stacy, Mary Katelan Keene, and Matthew Raker; great-grandchildren, Zack Chapman, Adam Chapman, Cody Aust, Rhiannon Fisher, Cierra Aust, Dia Martin, Quinn Allen, Madeline Galloway, Ethan Galloway, Abigail Freimer, Alexander Freimer, Shawnna Martin, Olivia Estep, Emery Keene and Owen Estep. She is also survived by numerous other family and many special friends.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Bertha and Mose Blankenship; sisters, Marie Robinson, Opal Waldron, Beatrice Blankenship, and Jean Blankenship; brothers, Arnold Blankenship and Franklin “Dee” Blankenship; and grandson Shawn Dawson.
Mary was the life of every party, she sparked smiles and laughter wherever she went. She will be remembered as the strong matriarch of her family and a proud Child of God.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 7 PM – 9 PM on Friday, April 30, 2021.
Services will be conducted at 12 PM on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Family Worship Center in Jolo, WV. Pastors Charles Rose and Bob Blevins will be officiating.
Interment will follow at Tom Sparks Cemetery with Johnny Ray Allen Jr., Ethan Stacy, Matthew Raker, Devin Estep, Aaron Birchfield and Jared Keene serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include Johnny Allen Sr., Tommy Ratliff, Allen Adams and Brian Pruitt.
Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger, WV is in charge of arrangements.
Flowers and Gifts may be sent to: Family Worship Center at 12645 Marshall Hwy. Jolo, WV 24850.