Mary Johnson Vance

Mary Johnson Vance went to her spiritual home on Mother's Day, Sunday May 13, 2012. This was significant to her family, as she was such a devoted mother to her children and grandchildren. Mary was born in 1933 to Henry W. Johnson and Ella Mae Spaugh Johnson of Forsyth County. She was a graduate of Clemmons School, and enjoyed playing basketball throughout her high school years. She met her husband, Joe Vance, at 4-H camp. They had a tremendous love that lasted many years on earth and will now continue beyond. Mary attended college at Women's College of Greensboro (now UNC-G). After her marriage in 1953 she moved to Japan to join her husband, who was serving in the US Air Force. Mary often spoke of the kindness and generosity of the Japanese people and cherished her memories of that time in her life. She was a member of the Jonestown Women's Club, and enjoyed many activities with special friends. She was a lifelong member of Hope Moravian Church, and always felt a strong connection to the church and her ancestry, as a direct descendent of Adam Spach. She shared this dedication to Moravian history with her mother, Ella Mae. Mary served as a Deiner and Youth Fellowship Director for many years. She was a retired employee of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in the Sea-Land Division. Her children Andrew Vance and wife Shiho, granddaughter Victoria (Tampa, FL.) and Martha Vance Low, husband Keng, granddaughters Melissa and Melanie (Clemmons, N.C.) will always be grateful for her support, love, and strength. She is also survived by her brother Gene Johnson and his wife Barbara (like a sister to her), and her dear nieces, Caroline Girardeau, Dr. Kristine Johnson, and Erica Johnson-Davis. She will also be missed by her brother Dr. Henry W. Johnson and his wife Lucille and their children Brent Johnson, wife Darla, and niece Stephanie Johnson. Mary has so many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins of the Vance Family. Among those are Kay Vance, a niece and a best friend. Mary will miss her close friend, Donna Sharpe, who has been so supportive in her life and during her last days. She is survived by two sisters-in-law, Dot Kiger of Rural Hall and Jane Vellines of Spartanburg, S.C. Services will take place at 2:00pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at Hope Moravian Church. Burial will follow in the church graveyard. The family will receive friends at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel from six to eight on Tuesday evening. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hope Moravian Church, or the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103. The family wishes to thank Drs. Basrai and Zekan and the staff of Winston Salem Health Care and Dr. Kinsley and the overwhelming kindness of all of the nurses and staff at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Care.

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