Franklin (Tommy) & Deloris Vance grew up in small coal mining towns on the Virginia / West Virginia border. Tommy joined the Army in 1954 and married Deloris in 1956 in their hometown of Boissevain, VA. He was deployed to Würzburg, Germany taking Deloris with him and welcoming two daughters. They lived in many parts of the world while Tommy proudly served; and he served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1974.
After his Honorable Discharge he went to college to become a Dietician. He was employed at Lorton Prison as a Dietician and at the Marine Commissary as a butcher. Tommy was a faithful Washington Redskins fan enjoying many Sundays watching the games. He also was known to plan summer road trips for his grandkids to enjoy.
Tommy passed away in 1996 due to the complications of Agent Orange.
Deloris was employed at the US Bureau of the Treasury, retiring in 1999. She was recognized and awarded for her most notable work involving the introduction of the debit card that would become a mainstay in every American’s wallet. She was a lifetime devout Christian and volunteered countless hours at her church serving in many capacities. She was the founder of the committee within her church that would create a ministry in her childhood hometown that included food distribution to those in need. She led a very active and fulfilled life.
She was a world traveler, both while deployed with her husband and for many years after her retirement. She enjoyed shopping and cooking large meals for her family or for those in need. Her most favorite thing to do was spend time with her family, especially Sunday dinners and all holiday events. She was loved by all that she encountered, and no one to her was a stranger. Deloris passed away in 2023 of Alzheimer’s .
(Submitted by Joan McGregor)
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