Beach on Sunday, September 6, 2020.
The youngest of four children, she was born on October 16, 1924, in Dawes, West Virginia to
Robert Vance and Iva Lee (Bennett) Vance. In 1951 Jeanne married Charles Wesley (Charlie)
Atkinson, and they moved with their daughter Kasey to Jacksonville Beach in 1959. The family
joined Beach United Methodist Church where they were active members for over 50 years. An
avid supporter of the church in a variety of ways, Jeanne was especially dedicated to singing in
the choir. Jeanne sang in the church from the time she was 3 years old when the pastor would
announce, “Now we will enjoy a song by little Jeanne Vance.” She and her best friend Betty Jane
Johnson sang with the local dance bands in her young adult years.
She enjoyed giving her time and talents to the United Methodist Women organization, teaching
adult and youth Sunday School classes and attending bible studies. Her love of music and her
infectious joy followed Jeanne wherever she went, and she will be remembered for the light and
love she brought to her family, her friends, and her community.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband Charlie, her sisters Elaine Vance and Irene
Vance Houck (Elmer), and her brother Chester Ray Vance. Left to honor and remember Jeanne
are her daughter Kasey Peters (David); her granddaughters Dr. Katie Myers (Adam) and Becky
Mendez (Manny); and her great-grandchildren Gabriel Myers and Nichole, Jamilyn, and James
Mendez and her dearly loved nephew Neal Houck (Cheryl).
As per Jeanne’s request, a private graveside service will be held at a later date with Carmen
Johns officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jeanne’s name to the Children’s Home Society of
Jacksonville, Florida at 3027 San Diego Road, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home is proud to serve the family.
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