Brenda was born in Talladega, Alabama on March 11, 1941, to the late Carl and Beatrice (Watts) Mitchell. After graduating from Talladega High School and the University of Montevallo, she enjoyed a long and successful career as an English and Language Arts Teacher in Greater Atlanta, first at Smyrna High School and especially at Greenfield Hebrew Academy (now the Atlanta Jewish Academy), where the legendary “Mrs. Vance” instilled a deep love of literature in hundreds of middle school students whom she taught for two decades before retiring in 2005.
A woman of exquisite taste to go with her broad and deep education, Brenda was an avid collector and admirer of antique furniture and art. Her home always displayed her latest finds, which she took great joy in displaying and discussing. She was renowned among family and friends for her skill as a hostess and conversationalist, from her book group to her annual Christmas Party. She will be missed by all who cherish the memory of her wit, her laugh, and her smile.
She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Charles Monroe Vance, Jr. of Atlanta, whom she lost this past June. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Cilbea Vance, son-in-law, Ronald J. Granieri, and grandson, Brendan James Vance Granieri, of West Chester, PA; by her beloved Brother, William Mitchell Jr. and Sister-in-Law Judy Mitchell of Moulton, Alabama; by her niece Stephanie Logan Byrne (who supervised her care during the last months of her life) and her husband, Mark Byrne, by her sisters-in-law, Rosanne V. Hoblitzelle (Bill) of New Haven, Connecticut and Kathryn Cecile Logan (Steve) of Roswell, and by many cousins, nieces and nephews who will never forget their Aunt Brenda.
Pallbearers will include Ronald Granieri, Brendan Granieri, Mark Byrne, Gareth Byrne, William Logan, and William Rowen. William Mitchell and Steve Logan are Honorary Pallbearers.
Visitation will be held beginning at 10:00 on Saturday, September 14, followed by a service at 11:00 at H. M. Patterson and Son, Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, with interment in Decatur Cemetery.
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