Avie Irene Vance, 95, of Indore, WV, departed this world and went to her Lord and Savior on October 15, 2026. Irene was born on March 25, 1931, to the late William “Bill” Icenhower and Nancy Blackwell Samuels. Irene married her sweetheart, Jesse “Bube” Vance in 1954. Nearly 40 years after his passing, she now joins him again. Irene was always full of life with a beautiful smile and a vibrant personality. Her greatest joys in life were her boys and her family.
Nothing meant more to Irene than being with her family and friends. Irene loved her family, her flowers, her bright colors which reflected the vibrant spirit she carried throughout her life.
These simple joys and her unmistakable personality made her one of a kind. She leaves behind countless memories and a love that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Irene was preceded in death by: Her parents, William Icenhower and Nancy Blackwell Samuels, her stepfather, Roy Samuels. Her husband, Jesse “Bube” Vance. Siblings, Belva Holcomb, Doy Icenhower, Betty Moore, and Arnold Samuels. Her grandson, Jon Cody Phillips. Irene is survived by: Her children, Rodney (Connie) Vance and Thomas Vance. Her siblings, David (Heather) Samuels and Sue (Dallas) Young. Her grandchildren, Trinity (Kelli) Vance, April Mullins, Harry (Jeanie) Miller, James (Junie) Miller, Aaron (Myriah) Vance and Jese (Christa) Vance. And many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Montgomery Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the kindness, compassion, love and care they showed Irene throughout her final months.
Services were held at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Wilson Smith Funeral Home, Clay, WV with Gene Truman officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to the service from noon to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial followed in the Sunrise Cemetery, Beechy Ridge, Indore, WV.
“Love you baby”
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Wilson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Vance family.