Patricia “Gail” Jones Vance, 64, went to be with the Lord on January 15, 2012 at her home. Born in Richmond, she was the daughter of the late Thomas C. and Ruth Johnson Jones. In her professional career, she had worked as a school teacher, secretary, office manager for her husband’s real estate company, clerk of court in Henrico County, VA, and most recently, receptionist for Heritage Title Company. She enjoyed reading, laughing, making others laugh, camping, white water canoeing and spending time in the outdoors. A giving person, she was a blessing to all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband of over 40 years, Michael John Vance of Virginia Beach; sons, Christopher John Vance of Virginia Beach, and Justin Trevor Vance and his wife, Kenyetta Welborn Vance of Fuquay-Varina, NC; a brother, T.C. Jones of Richmond; a grandson, Benjamin Trevor Vance; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sandra R. Horning.
A memorial mass will be offered on Saturday, January 21st at 2:30 p.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 712 Little Neck Road, Virginia Beach. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, www.lymphoma.org.
The family would like to express its appreciation to Sentara Hospice, Dr. Craig Franzman and his staff, including, Loretta, and Michelle. The family would also like to thank Heritage Title, Ltd. and all her co-workers, as well as her many friends, and the G.N.O.C. (“Girls Night Out Club”), for their love and support during her illness.
Online condolences may be shared via the online guestbook.
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Our deepest sympathies are with the family at this time. May her laugh forever be found in their hearts.
I don’t think they have words for what a wonderful human being she was.
Your life was a blessing
your memory a treasure…
You will always be with us
In our hearts forever
Gail’s love for her family and friend’s was unconditional. Gail made everyone she came in contact with feel special, with her laughter and kindness. Gail always gave 110% of herself whether it be family, friend’s, or work. The way she lived her life should be an inspiration to us all. She will be missed!!!
As I remember Gail from holdiay gatherings and office parties, she was always full of joy and laughter. You could tell she loved life and always enjoyed being with others. Her smile will last an eternity. Rest in peace Gail.
I will always remember the smiling face of Gail. Gail’s laughter and smile were her constant companion. A wonderful person has departed our lives, but left us with memories of a person who spread happiness among us all.
Gail was a ray of sunshine to all who knew her. She could make you laugh and made you feel loved with her loving hugs and the attention she paid you. She will be greatly missed. I’m blessed to have known her! Prayers and thoughts are with the whole family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss.
Gail was such a sweetheart who always greeted me with a cheerful smile, a big hug, and a kiss on the cheek. No matter how stressful my day was or how down I felt, she was always there to cheer me up. She was like that to everyone. She was such a wonderful lady. She will be missed.
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Gail possessed all these qualities and more. I will always remember how she made us feel and for that, I will strive to be a better person.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I really loved Gail so much. What a beautiful heart she has. Remember we do not live forever and you will see her later in a more beautiful place.
Sincerely,
Robyn McGuire
I keep “seeing” Gail & Uncle Leary up in heaven laughing & telling tales & carrying on like they always did when we all got together! It gives me a warm, comforting feeling of having been loved by two great people; & I thank God for those memories. I hope there are Cracker Barrels in heaven! (Ironically, Mr. Evans, the founder of Cracker Barrel also passed away Sunday 01/15/2012.)
My deepest sympathies to the entire Vance family on the loss of Gail. She was truly the kindest, most generous and loving person I’ve ever met. I’m a better person for having known her and consider myself lucky to have been her friend. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.
My dearest Gail, I know that you are with the Lord and have been given your wings. You lived life to the fullest with utmost grace and kindness, and you were a blessing to everyone who had the joy of knowing you. I will always cherish my memories and hold you in a special place in my heart. Just hearing your name brings a smile to my face and heart. Your always sister-friend, Claire
You came into my life at a time that I needed a ray of sunshine, and to the very last moment,your smile, cheery words of encouragement, ready laughter, and loving heart made all of my times with you very special ones, and I am all the better for having known you. I love you Gail.
Gail you will be missed by all that had the opportunity to have your bright light shine in their lives.
Rest in Peace
Gail knew just what to say and do when anyone was down – she was the most kind, caring and loving person I have ever met. Gail would send clip art or pictures in response to all her emails which was at times the highlight of the hectic work day. Gail will be truely missed but never forgotten she is above us waving her magic wand.
Justine,
Sharon and I were so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your family in this time of transition and loss.
Due to surgery and health issues Sharon is in a rehab center and we will not be able to be there at the service; however, our prayers are with you and your family.
Robert and Sharon Livingston
Heaven has another Angel.
Justin,
I am at a loss for words as I know that your mother was the heart and soul of your family; as is mine. Although I am sure you will always have that void only she could fill, but as a close friend I know you carry so much of her spirit in yourself you will never be without her… So sorry for you and your family.
Gail was one VERY SPECIAL LADY. She was a joy to work with and a wonderful friend. Heaven is a little brighter now… and she will be missed by many who were lucky enough to have known her.
Mike, Chris and The Vance Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With love, The Conroy Family
wanted to give my condolesences to justin and his family, sorry for your loss.
Gail was a remarkable woman of Faith & Courage and an inspiration to all of us who had the pleasure of knowing her in this life. It is with great sadness to learn of her passing but she remains in the hearts of everyone she so graciously touched and she will not be forgotten.She is now at REST with our Lord & Saviour Jesuse Christ. Thanks be to God the Father…
I will never forget the fond memories of Gail. She was one of the most fun people to be around. She was able to effortlessly make everyone else have a good time.
Heaven has one more angel!!! Gail was such a loving person and will always hold a special place in my heart. My sympathy to all of her family and friends.
My sincerest heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Gail.
Mike and Family:
First let me say how vey sorry I am for your most precious loss, Gail was a one in a million. I can never pass a candy dish, see someone blowing bubbles, see “Batman” or watch OVC, that I don’t think of Gail and how very special she was to all of us. I will miss my very special friend, she and I were “sole sisters”, and for that I am most grateful. Love you Misty Roz.
Mike and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss and our loss. Gail is liked and loved by so many I know. Like the picture, A Smile Full of Sunshine and Cuddly Like a Teddy Bear. Gail, I’ll always remember that special greeting you always give and the fun times we all had in Nags Head (OBX). Now you’re one of the stars in the night sky. “saw a falling star”
Ray
Mike and family: You are in our thoughts and prayer. Gail will always be remembered as a special lady and always in our hearts. If there is anything we can do, please let us.
We have lost another Angel – who will always be by my side.
Michael and boys,
WE are very sorry for your loss. Gail was a sweet person. I have many fond memories of the fun times we all had together fishing.
May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayer are with you.
Although we did not know Gail well, she was always a smiling, friendly neighbor with a kind word for all. She will be missed by all of us on Colonial Meadows Way. Our deepest symphathy to Mike and all of the family.
I wish Gail’s family my sincerest,deepest sympathies.I went to school with Gail and she could always make you smile. She will be a light in Heaven.
To the Vance Family: So sorry to read this announcement in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. In Gail’s days at Lakeside Elementary School, she & our troup members camped out in my yard for a Girl Scout Project, and we then went on to be Classmates at Hermitage High School – Class of ’66. I lost contact with Gail after high school. I remember her parents and sister, Sandra, well and they lived in the housing community over from me and the golf course. My sincere sympathy to all of you.
Mike and Family: My sincere sympathy. I remember Gail for her zest for life and love of fun; and her infectious smile. God Bless her; and you and your family with her sweet memories.
Michael & Family We are so sorry for your loss and ours. Gail was a fantastic person as well as a good friend. She was loved by all and will be missed dearly.
To Michael, Chris and Justin: I know your lives will never be the same again but just remember the memories that you have of the good times and it will comfort you. Gail was a very special friend to me and I could always count on her bright smile and friendly words to make my day better and I am so much the better for having known such a wonderful, caring person. Rest in peace my sister-friend.
What can be said about Gail? She was the kind of Godly woman people always talk about being but always seemed to come up short. She never let you know when she was down or in pain. She always had a big smile and kind words, when others were too busy seeing to their own wants, Gail was always there to give of herself while ignoring her own needs. She was and IS the kind of Godly example any believer strives to be. We miss you greatly Gail…. Love “Batman”…
Mike and family – I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Gail was an angel, bright, witty and one of the nicest friends I was blessed to have. I will always cherish her memory. God has taken another angel from us..may she rest in glowing piece.
I will always remember how Gail, made me feel like a part of the family. Always with a smile, and one of the kindest women I’ve ever met. She knew I have my faults, but always welcomed me into her home. I am thankful for knowing her, and for so many years.
Mike and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. We will miss her bright & beautiful smile and soul. She will be in our hearts forever! Rest in Peace Gail.
Mike, Justin, and Chris- We are so sorry for your loss. Gail will always be in our thoughts. She is finally at peace and looking down at all of you with all of her love. Always know that we are here for you.
So sad for your loss, Michael, Chris and Justin and families..we have lost touch but have fond memories of Gail in the WWCG..she was such a shining light…a joy to be around. Peace,love and blessings to all.
Mike and Family,
I was recently reading my issue Old Dominion University’s Monarch and I was saddened to learn of Gail’s death. We roomed together in Gresham and Rogers East Dormitories. Gail was the life of a gathering and a kind, fun, happly loving person. I regret that we did not stay in touch over the years. She was a truly special lady.
My Thoughts are with her wonderful and loving family.
Margo Horner