Irene Vance

It is with profound sorrow and aching hearts that we share the passing of our cherished IRENE VANCE, a resident of Genoa, W.Va.  She departed from this world on July 23rd 2023, just 24 days before her 82nd birthday. Her departure leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts and lives.

Irene lived a life filled with purpose, grace, and boundless love. A woman of strong will, she did exactly what she wanted and would happily tell you so with a smile. The phrase, “it is what it is,” will forever carry the essence of her spirit. Throughout her life, Irene embraced various roles with unwavering devotion. She was an exceptional daughter, sister, wife, care-giver, mother, mother-in-law, friend, and cherished Nana. The profound impact she had on our lives and memories she gifted us will reside in our hearts eternally.

As we bid farewell to Irene, her love and legacy will continue to live on through the lives she touched. May we carry her spirit in our hearts, cherishing the moments we shared and embracing the values, life lessons she instilled in us. For instance, you knew arriving to her home you would be presented with a table of food, expected to eat – because you shouldn’t leave her house hungry and if you did…it was your own fault. May we find a joy like hers for Christmas and unearthing decorations in her “hoarders” room. Her loving sister, Georgie, joked with Irene that she could “stretch one dollar into one-hundred dollars,” may we learn to manage as well. May we collect “coins” so when formerly Jamie, and now Stevee, tirelessly search for change to place in the zip-lock bag to happily carry home to the piggy bank. May we live a life of purpose, may we find our purpose.

Her life was full of purpose and love. Irene married the love of her life, Lonnie Gene Vance on July 24th, 1961. They embarked on many journeys, one of which was a move to Chicago. While there, they were surrounded by family and friends, took the A-train into and out of the city, hosted card games, and had stories of walks on the street; one particular time a chain was involved. In Chicago, Irene worked in a factory and was always quick to fondly recall the time they spent there. After returning to West Virginia, Irene proudly worked and retired from Corbin’s where she served as a union leader. From there, Irene found another passion as a hospitality worker in a long-term care facility. She was also a member of Salem United Baptist Church.  She worked hard and loved even more.

After returning to West Virginia, Irene and Lonnie welcomed their reason for being-- their one and only child, a son, Jamie Heath Vance. Despite Irene vividly recalling that Jamie never slept an entire full night until he was 10 years old and despite the fact Lonnie custom built a rocker for Jamie’s bed…Jamie was the light of Irene’s life. When she spoke of him, she smiled. She loved reminiscing of trips to the department store ‘Hills’ for the purchase of He-Man figures or laughing as she retold times Jamie could wear a white suit as a child but never have one spec of dirt on him. She would gather up cherries for days to make his favorite lemon extract cake, because that’s what mother’s do.

To Irene, Jamie was her entire world, despite the fact he “even threw my pickles away.” Little did Jamie know that with the arrival of his own daughter, Stevee, his cherished title as the best baby in the world might face some competition. Stevee captured Irene's heart completely, and she showered the little one with an abundance of love, embracing her new role as Nana with joy and devotion. At every visit, Nana welcomed Stevee with open arms, bearing snacks and thoughtful gifts, often a doll, to fill her heart with happiness. Stevee adored her Nana, and their bond was nothing short of beautiful.

We cannot forget her love for animals as she had quite an interesting bunch over the years. From Molly, whom she proudly took to the drive thru (more times than we thought she should) for “ickin” nuggets; to Mr. T the rooster and his chickens— Gertrude, Henerietta, and Minerva; to Socks and Boots a dynamic pair of cats; to Lucky a dog that was swiped up in a minor creek flood and managed to be rescued, reassuring his name was correct.

Irene was born August 16th 1942, the daughter of the late William “Bill” and Laura Staley.  Also preceding her in death was her dearest husband, Lonnie Gene Vance; sisters, Patsy Hughes and infant Betty Lou Staley; and brother, Alpha Staley.   Survivors include her beloved son Jamie Heath Vance (Ashley Clay) and their daughter Stevee Sloane Vance; one  sister, Georgie Johnson; brothers Charles Staley, James (Donetta) Staley, and William “Billy” Staley. Irene kept the promise to her late mother that she would be her brother Billy’s caretaker, as he requires full-time care. Irene kept that promise… and more, providing, supporting, sacrificing, and loving him until her last breath. 

Amidst grief we have found solace in the knowing that her love will forever reside within us, her spirit will continue to guide us, and her memory will be the strength that carries us through the difficult days ahead. She now rests peacefully, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her. 

Please join us as we come together to celebrate the life of Irene on Saturday, July 29th, at Johnson Tiller Funeral Home from 12 pm to 2 pm. The funeral will follow, and she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Community Memorial Gardens, located in Wayne, W.Va. Your presence and support are deeply appreciated as we honor and remember her.

I’m so grateful to have been able to call you my mother. You taught me many life lessons.  You were always my crutch when I needed to lean on you.  You were always a phone call away to listen and give advice across the void of life. Mom, you were always kind to me and showed your love - not just with words, but your actions. You never made a promise you did not keep. Mom, you kept your promise to your mother, rest assured in that. I also promise to take care of that “sweet baby Stevee” as you so lovingly referred to her. Although you did promise Stevee you wouldn’t miss her upcoming third birthday party “for the world,” I think we will let you off the hook, for a date with Dad. I know it is long overdue.

Your imprint on me will forever resonate in my thoughts and actions. I will love my daughter, as you loved me. I am beyond grateful you were able to show Stevee and Ashley the same love you showed me. Of all the lessons you taught me, this last one is the hardest of all. Time is a thief to everyone on Earth. There may be no tomorrow. So, spend it with those you care about. I am not worried for you, as I know you’re in Heaven; however, I mourn the loss of my best friend and Stevee’s most wonderful Nana. Undoubtedly, there were times you were tired and kept on going because of us. I am blessed for the time that I had, knowing it could never be enough. You rest now, enjoy the gifts God has promised. You deserve it, Mom.

It’s goodbye for now, but I’m hopeful when my journey comes to an end, we’ll be reunited. You are now and forever, my sweet mother.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Irene Vance, please visit our floral store.