Ellene Vance

Ellene Grant Vance was born July 17, 1931, in Graceville, Florida. At the age of 92, Ellene passed away at home after a long battle with Dementia on Thursday, February 22, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Clayton and Lemmie Florence Grant of Graceville, FL, her brother, Charles Grant, and her sister Betty Hagan. Ellene is survived by her husband, Jonathan H. Vance of Vestavia Hills, AL, her daughter and son-in-law Susan and Michael Purvis of Spanish Forth, AL, her son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Cathy Vance of Helena, AL, and grandson Christopher Vance of Valdosta, Georgia. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ellene grew up in Graceville, FL and graduated from Graceville High School. She married Jonathan H. Vance in 1959 and spent many years in central Florida. They moved to Birmingham, AL in 1965 and she lived her remaining years there. Ellene dearly loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her family, friends and serving others. In 1974, she was recognized by the Mercy Hospital Volunteer Services (later Cooper Green Hospital) for 1,000 hours of untiring and devoted service. She loved sports, most especially baseball. Her favorite teams to watch were any team her grandson played on and the Atlanta Braves. Her smile could brighten up any room. She always found a way to lift you up and make you feel good – with a prayer, letter of encouragement, a good home cooked meal, sitting and listening, holding your hand, giving you a hug – or just loving on you in some special way. God blessed her with a good long life which allowed her to touch many people. She will be greatly missed and always be remembered for her love and kindness.

The family would like to thank her many doctors at UAB, especially Dr. Rita Jablonski, her daily caregivers from Grace & Favor, Aveanna Hospice, and her extended family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Grace & Favor, or UAB Medicine Memory and Cognitive Disorders department.

A graveside service for Ellene will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Dothan City Cemetery, 901 Columbia Hwy, Dothan, AL 36301.