Sassaman, Mary Jane (Vance) born July 20, 1933 in Knoxville, TN passed away July 1, 2019 surrounded by family and friends. She attended Central High School in Knoxville (1950) and graduated from University of Tennessee, Knoxville as a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority (1954). She obtained her Masters Degree in Public Health Administration and retired as director of TN State Health Laboratories, Nashville. Her sweet soul is preceded in death by her husband, Elmer S. Sassaman, her twin sister, Margaret Ann Vance, brother, Charles Vance, as well as her mother and father, James W. and Mary Lance Vance. Her family will miss her wise counsel, consummate wit and constant care for her immediate and extended circle. She is survived by her sons, Mark (Mindy) Sassaman and David (Donna) Sassaman; Grandchildren Kelly (Lane) Reeder, Kevin (Marissa) Sassaman, Katie (Chris) Patterson; 6 great grandchildren; Sister, Susan (David) Brawner; sister-in-law Edith Bibee Vance; nieces Becky Vance, Jenny Vance, Karen Vance, and Robin (Tim) Ferguson; and close friends, the Yates Family – Kathy, Jim and Carol.
Visitation with family and friends will be held at Mt. Olivet Funeral Home on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 1 p.m Central time, followed immediately by a memorial service at 4:30 p.m. Graveside interment will be held for family and friends on Friday, July 12, 2019 at 2 p.m. Eastern time in Woodlawn Cemetery in Knoxville, TN (4500 Woodlawn Pike). Those attending the Knoxville gravesite will be encouraged to join the family afterwards to celebrate this amazing woman over refreshments (Club House at the Charles Towne Landing, 8601 Old Carriage Ct, Knoxville, TN 37923).