Zachary Ellis Vann,35, of Mobile, Alabama (formerly of Lumberton) left his earthly shell behind to be with his heavenly Father on Sunday, December 27, 2020.
Zack was born September 5th, 1985, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He graduated from the University of southern Mississippi with a B.A. in chemistry and a minor in Math. He received his Master of Arts in the teaching of languages and moved to Japan to teach English for the next five years.
Zack was an excellent cook and worked on the line at the Purple Parrot and 206 Front Street restaurants in Hattiesburg. Zack firmly believed in giving back to his community and was the youngest member of the Lions Clubs of Mississippi when he became a member at the age of 16. Zack was an educator at heart and loved his Japanese students at Takefu High School. He immersed himself in the culture and traditions of Japan and traveled the country from Hokaido to Hiroshima.
Zack battled a brain tumor from age 13 until his death at age 35. He never lost sight of his relationship with God and despite his multiple surgeries and radiation treatments he continued steadfastly to trust in Gods' plan for his life. He loved his family dearly, but his heavenly Father was always his first love.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Jason Michael Vann; Grandfathers, Charles Darrell Ellis, William H. Vann Sr.; Grandmother, Helen Canady Vann; uncles, Raymond S. Vann, David L. Vann, and aunt, Debbie Imperial Vann.
He is survived by his father, Dr. William H. Vann Jr. , mother Dr. Carol Ellis Vann, Maternal Grandmother Joan Bailes Ellis; uncles, Steven D. Ellis, Charles David Ellis, Paul D. Vann, C. Bruce Vann; aunts, Betsy H. Vann Young, Lydia Bulan Vann; and a host of extended family and friends.
An immediate family only graveside service will be held at Lumberton City Cemetery on Saturday January 2, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00a.m. at White Funeral Home in Lumberton.
The service will be video-taped and posted on the White Funeral Home webpage for the benefit of those unable to attend due to the covid pandemic as well as his many special friends and colleagues in Japan.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18