Jean A. Vance passed away at her home, south of Fredericktown, MO on May 3, 2026. She was a wonderful wife to Mike for almost 65 years, and a loving and supportive mother and grandmother.

Born Jan 3, 1941 to Guy & Nell Azbill, in Cooter, MO she was the 3rd of 4 girls. Growing up on a farm in the Missouri Bootheel, the girls knew how to work. When it came time to pick cotton or “chop beans” they were often put to work in the fields. She was raised in a family of faith, with a daddy and mother that made sure that their girls knew Jesus. That faith was a guiding presence for her entire life, and her hope as she passed into eternity with her Savior.

Preceding Jean in death are her parents, oldest sister Ruth Billings, and younger sister Ann Wright. She is survived by sister, Margarett Edwards, of South St. Louis County, MO.

Jean attended Cooter schools, graduating from Cooter high school. From there she went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Southeast Missouri State University.

She was a bookkeeper and administrative assistant until their kids came along. Clay, born in 1964 and Betsy, born in 1972. Starting in 1964 she stayed home and took care of kids and household until Clay was about to graduate…. In the early 80s she started back to work in various admin and bookkeeping positions to pay college bills, etc.

She was an avid reader and an excellent seamstress, making many clothes and Easter outfits that were under appreciated by her son….. much more appreciated by Betsy.

Nan / Granny Jean was a very proud grandmother of 5: Ryan Adams, Brady Adams, Claire Vance, Delaney (Adams) Arnold, and Emma Vance; and great grandmother of 2: Slade Adams & Tripp Adams.

We are sad that she is gone from us, but her (and our) trust in Jesus tell us that we’ll see her again in a little while….. So, we’ll see ya later Dear/Mom/Nan/Granny Jean.