Obituary of Rev. John T. Vance, Jr.

Rev. John T. Vance, Jr. of Holden, WV Rev. John T. Vance,Jr, 91, of Holden, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, July 9, 2021, leaving from his earthly home, after an extended illness. He was born on February 18, 1930, at Rich Creek, the son of the late Early Edward and Zettie Marie (White) Vance. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Jo (Brown) Vance who went to see Jesus on June 26, 2021; two daughters, Helen Viars and Jewell Vance; one great-great-grandson, Oliver Hensley; two brothers, Edward “Hooker” Vance and Charles Vance; and two sisters, Marie Bryant and Betty Shadd. Rev. John T. Vance earned his living as a Federal Mine Inspector employed with the U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration. His passion was born when he was called by the Lord to become a minister and preach the Gospel of Christ. Rev. John T. was a charter member of 21 Holden Freewill Baptist Church and when the church relocated he was a charter member of 21 Holden Memorial Freewill Baptist Church. Combined, he served as Pastor of these churches for over 40 years. He was the founder of the Christian Fellowship Conference of the Freewill Baptist Denomination. Rev. John T. Vance was happiest when he was behind the pulpit preaching, sowing seeds for the Lord, and spending time with his family and church family. Those left to cherish his memory are one son, Tennis R. Vance and his wife (John’s favorite daughter-in-law) Sue of Lake; one daughter, Betty June Meade of Richmond, VA; five grandchildren, John T. Viars and his wife Wanda of FL, Janey Flournoy and her husband Steven of Roanoke, VA, Daniel Vance and his wife Dana of Springfield, OH, Aimie Mosier and her husband Brian and Elisha Meade and his wife LaShell, all of Richmond, VA; 14 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Patrick of King Shoals and Janice Gross of Logan; three brothers, Clifford Vance and Rev. Roy Vance, both of King Shoals, and Leonard Vance of Chapmanville; many nieces and nephews; his caregivers, Wanda Adkins, Pat Grubb, Cora Dillon, Kaylee Miller, and Erwin Smith; along with a host of other relatives, church family, and friends. Visitation will be held from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at 21 Holden Memorial Freewill Baptist Church at Holden and one hour prior to services at the church also. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at the 21 Holden Memorial Freewill Baptist Church at Holden with Rev. Carl Lilly and Deacon Lewis Sheppard officiating. Friends and family may gather one hour prior to services at the church also. Rev. Vance will be lovingly laid to rest in Highland Memory Gardens at Godby following the services. Online condolences may be sent to www.krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man.