May Vance Obituary
Gatlinburg, TN
May Evelyn Norred Vance, age 75 of Gatlinburg, formerly of Nashville, passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2016 as a result of the Gatlinburg wildfires. She was a 1960 graduate of Hillsboro High School in Nashville, along with her future husband, Jimmy. In 1964, she graduated from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute, and following her marriage to Jimmy, spent most of her professional career working with him in his law office in Nashville. Mrs. Vance enjoyed gardening, sewing, trips to the beach, animals, and especially spending time with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Caldwell Vann and Frances Norred. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, James C. (Jimmy) Vance, Sr.; sons, Lt. Col. James C. Vance, Jr. and wife Lesley H. Vance, and Patrick Neil Vance and wife Meghan M. Vance; grandchildren, James C. (Tres) Vance III, Hardy A. Vance, Mason Neil Vance, and Cameron John Vance; sister, Carolyn (Sissy) Norred West of Tacoma, WA; brother, Caldwell Vann Norred, III and wife Bobbie Simpson Norred of Colorado Springs, CO; brother-in-law, Charles Michael Vance and wife Berenda Vance; several nieces and nephews; and loving dog, Peanut. The family will receive friends 10AM -11:30 AM Friday at Atchley's Smoky Mountain Chapel in Pigeon Forge, TN. The family will also receive friends 6-9 PM Friday and 10 AM - 1 PM Saturday with a memorial service to follow at 1 PM Saturday at Woodbine Hickory Chapel in Nashville, TN. Inurnment will follow the service in Woodlawn Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gloria Bennett O'Steen
November 26, 2022
Memories remain of May's sweet smile and her graciousness.
Sallye Martin Galloway
November 26, 2020
My memories of May go back to our Hillsboro days. But now whenever I see something on the TV or the newspaper about the fires or the Smokies, I think of May. She holds a place in my heart.
December 8, 2016
Jimmy,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know you and May were inseparable. When I saw you on the news program my heart sank. May God comfort you and your friends help you bare this overwhelming sorrow. Jenny and I are here for you when you need us.
Jim and Jenny Wilson
Julie Minton
December 8, 2016
Mr. Vance..your lovely Wife May did not know me..I also live in Gatlinburg TN, and was heartbroken to hear the news of your Wife's passing.. I can't express into words how very sorry I am for your loss.. May she rest in peace, in the arms of Jesus..God Bless you, and your entire family..
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Alene Cannon
December 8, 2016
You don't know me but I lived up the road on Bear Walk Way. I drove a white Nissan truck and we would wave every time we passed. I don't know if you were aware but when we were evacuating the fire I stopped at your house and beat on your door. I knew you were home because I saw your TV on and both cars in the driveway. I just found out about May today when I was finally able to get back on the mountain. I am truly sorry. I wish that I could have helped. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
December 8, 2016
Jimmy, I was very sorry to hear of your loss. We have not spoken in a long time but May and you were special people to Dad and to me.
Henry Todd, Jr.
Susan Tobergte
December 6, 2016
Sending our condolences and prayers to the Vance family. We met May, Jim, and Peanut this summer when we vacationed at the chalet next to theirs. We are so sorry for your loss. The Moos Family & the Tobergte Family
December 6, 2016
Thinking of the Vance family at this time of loss. I remember May from Hillsboro as one who always had a smile for everyone. My heart is heavy with your loss, never thinking that the fire would touch me personally. May God bless you as you walk through this valley.
Marcia Haynes Stroupe --Charleston, SC
December 5, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sallye Martin Galloway
December 3, 2016
This is just so sad! My prayers and deepest sympathy to Jimmy and family. Recent surgery prevents me from attending the service. I have fond memories I cherish from our Hillsboro days.
December 3, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers goes out to Vance's Family & friends. It's a shock to everyone whom never thought & dream that would've had happen to anyone living up on the beautiful mountains & it turned into a nightmare!! It such a heartbroken!
There's 3 members that lived close by us whom lost their life as for one is Mrs. Alice Hagley (her son is a Pastor live in Rincon, Ga.) by fire in Gatlinburg, Tn., second & third is Mark Faulk, Jr & wife, Saundra (Bloomingdale, Ga.) by tornado in Ocoee, TN.
Please know we are very sorry for the loss. God Bless you & all from Savannah, Ga.
Faye & Ronnie Sanders
Loretta Johnson
December 2, 2016
I did not know this lady but just heard of her passing today on the news. I live close to Gatlinburg and I just wanted to say I am so sorry . Praying for you all
December 2, 2016
I am sorry for your loss.Praying for you and your family.
Eileen Adams
December 2, 2016
I am so very sorry. She was the first person to welcome me when I moved to Gatlinburg. I last saw her in front of her house when I drove down the mountain at 3 on Monday. I will always remember her smiling face
Edie Mosley
December 2, 2016
REMEMBERING HER IN SO MANY WAYS.
I WORKED FOR THEM IN THEIR LAW FIRM IN BELLEVUE TN
T AND EDIE MOSLEY
Gloria Jean Bennett O'Steen
December 2, 2016
Ray and I send our sincere sympathy to our Hillsboro High School classmates. Our prayers continue for you.
Judy and Dave Logue
December 2, 2016
Words cannot express how sorry we are for the tragic loss of your mother. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
5852 Nolensville Rd., Nashville, TN 37211
Make a Donation
in May Vance's name
How to support May's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor May Vance's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
