Carol Joyce Vance

Carol Joyce (Garner) Vance, 84, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025. She was born on July 6, 1941, in Watonga, Oklahoma, to Edward H. Garner and Vinetta Pauline (Sloan) Garner. Carol married the love of her life, Charles R. Vance, on December 27, 1962, in Reno, Nevada. Together they built a life filled with love, family, and faith. Carol dedicated her life to serving others as a Registered Nurse, working for the City of Faith hospital. She later continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern State University. Her compassion, wisdom, and steady spirit touched countless lives throughout her career and personal life. A woman of many interests, Carol cherished spending time with her granddaughter, working on genealogy and family photo albums, rock and antique collecting, watching musical films, cooking for her family, and sharing coffee with loved ones. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband in their RV "the old gal", working alongside him on magazine projects, and attending church, which gave her strength and joy. Above all, Carol treasured her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Charles R. Vance of Muskogee, OK; her children, Chris R. Vance of Muskogee, OK, and Chad R. Vance and wife Eve M. of New Braunfels, TX and Chuck Vance of Biloxi, Mississippi; her grandchildren, Reanna N. Vance of New Braunfels, TX, Conner R. Vance of Tennessee, and Chelsea R. Vance of Wisconsin, Jason R Vance of Biloxi, Mississippi; and many extended relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward H. Garner and Vinetta Pauline (Sloan) Garner, and brothers Melvin Garner and Teddy Garner, along with her sister Claudia Deloris Garner. A celebration of life will be held 10AM Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Fort Gibson National Cemetery Pavilion, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma with Pastor Sherry Erb officiating. Online condolences may be left for the Vance family @clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com