We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Florence May Vance. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. As we plan virtual and in person gatherings, we will share details here. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
Florence May Vance memorial gathering. Saturday, May 8, 2021 1pm-3pm. Weldon Baptist church, Weldon, IL
Come and share a favorite story or memory of May starting at 2pm.
Kathy Parker
Florence May Vance memorial gathering. Saturday, May 8, 2021 1pm-3pm. Weldon Baptist church, Weldon, IL
Come and share a favorite story or memory of May starting at 2pm.
May was like a second mother to me during my younger years. When I think of her, I will always think of her laughing. She had a great sense of humor that she thankfully passed on to her daughter's. She will be greatly missed by all that were lucky enough... moreMay was like a second mother to me during my younger years. When I think of her, I will always think of her laughing. She had a great sense of humor that she thankfully passed on to her daughter's. She will be greatly missed by all that were lucky enough to know her. less
Aunt May will always have a special place in my heart. Oh all the years of great memories to cherish. I remember riding around in the back of that old station wagon when I was a kid. I would help with the Avon orders. Years of church and Vacation bible... moreAunt May will always have a special place in my heart. Oh all the years of great memories to cherish. I remember riding around in the back of that old station wagon when I was a kid. I would help with the Avon orders. Years of church and Vacation bible school. She always wore some of the craziest hats. If you needed to borrow something just call Aunt May and she would probably have it! She was always the life of the party. Her laugh was so contagious. She gave the best warm hugs. I looked forward to hearing her stories and jokes. She was creative and I enjoyed our family get togethers. We always had a great time. I will miss her. less
I remember as a small child, my grandma would pull me up in her lap. She would get out a pen and paper and ask me what I could imagine. She would draw whatever silly scenario I could come up with. We would pass the pen back and forth adding details until... moreI remember as a small child, my grandma would pull me up in her lap. She would get out a pen and paper and ask me what I could imagine. She would draw whatever silly scenario I could come up with. We would pass the pen back and forth adding details until the page was completely filled. She was a good artist and always made my childish imagination come to life. She will be dearly missed. less
š One of the kindest, happiest, most generous ladies I know, left this world yesterday. When I was growing up, pretty much every adult you knew would yank a knot in your tail if you were acting up. Thatās just how it was. We have a great mother, but... moreš One of the kindest, happiest, most generous ladies I know, left this world yesterday. When I was growing up, pretty much every adult you knew would yank a knot in your tail if you were acting up. Thatās just how it was. We have a great mother, but sometimes during those formidable years, you need to have two or more. May Vance was my #2 Mom, and she was awesome! Anytime you saw her, she was smiling. She rarely would say anything bad about anyone. She would kinda look down, and sheād say, āIām a little disappointed in āso and soā, they should know betterā And thatās about all she would say. She loved on me like I was one of her own kids. I still have the giant birthday card she gave me on my 16th birthday. She was so funny too! Sheād start to tell us a story about something that happened to her growing up on the farm, and she would start giggling and snorting trying to tell the story, weād all be dying laughing, just laughing with her! She loved Jesus, and I know she made him smile. May was also a little forgetful. We would pile into their station wagon to go somewhere, and inevitably, she would set her purse on the roof of the car and get it. Weād get to our destination, and she would start to get out and be like, āOh, I forgot my purse!ā And there it would be sitting on the roof. Luckily, there was a luggage rack on the roof that kept the purse corralled in. Way back in those days, everyone had CB radios in their vehicles. Of course, you had to have a CB ā handleā that everyone knew it was you. Mayās was perfect, āLampshadeā! She always wore these wide brim floppy hats, they were kinda her signature thing back then. And she lived up to the name in every single way.
When I heard this morning that she had gone onto heaven, I started remembering all the great times we had, and this thought came to mind. How much fun would it be in heaven, if when we arrived, you were addressed by everyone by your CB handle or nickname? Wouldnāt that be cool?!?š I know that she is going to be greatly missed by her family and friends. But I can assure you, even though itās been a long time since she danced, ole āLampshadeā is dancing and singing with the angels today! And that....... thatās the beginning of our hearts mending. Love ya, Ma#2! š§”š less
FARMER CITY - Florence 'May' Vance
age 76 of 203 E. Allen Street
Florence "May" Boyd Vance of Farmer City died peacefully at home surrounded by family at 6:50 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 17, 2020).
May was born on May 9, 1944, in Decatur, to Lyle and Nellie Boyd.... moreFARMER CITY - Florence 'May' Vance
age 76 of 203 E. Allen Street
Florence "May" Boyd Vance of Farmer City died peacefully at home surrounded by family at 6:50 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 17, 2020).
May was born on May 9, 1944, in Decatur, to Lyle and Nellie Boyd. She married Jim Vance on Nov. 11, 1962. He survives.
Also surviving are her children, Kathy Parker of Urbana, Don (Carol) Vance of East Peoria and Lisa (Mike) Warner and Beckie (Chris) Witte, both of Farmer City; as well as six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
May was a successful Avon representative for many years, but her most cherished occupation was being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved playing games, finding bargains and talking and laughing with friends and family. May will always be remembered for her positive, happy spirit.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of life will be held at a future date.
Memorial gifts in Mayās remembrance may be made to the following organizations: Illinois Baptist Childrenās Home, bchfs.com, or Talking Books and Braille Service (mail checks to 300 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62701). less
When Grandma used to babysit me, I would read her books from the Junie B. Jones series, and we would laugh together. It was always fun playing Go Fish with her, because she would competitively yell go fish at me.š When I was quite young, I followed... moreWhen Grandma used to babysit me, I would read her books from the Junie B. Jones series, and we would laugh together. It was always fun playing Go Fish with her, because she would competitively yell go fish at me.š When I was quite young, I followed her everywhere and we would look at a wall filled with pictures of family and talk about the family members I never got to meet. I am extremely grateful to know that she is happy and reunited with her family now and forever.
-Karly Warner less