It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jean “Pee Dee” Theda Payne Vance,81, of Gray, Tennessee, formerly of Princeton and McDowell County. Jean died early Thursday morning July 8, 2026, in Decatur, Georgia following a short illness. Born January 9, 1945, at Bluefield, she was the daughter of the late David Bernard Payne and June Branson Payne. Jean graduated from Iaeger High School and attended Concord College and Bluefield State College. On August 29, 1964, she married her high school sweetheart, John David Vance and remained by his side until his passing in 1996. In 1971, Jean gave birth to her only daughter, Kelley Vance. Jean enjoyed traveling with her family across the country, especially trips to Arizona during John’s Army career. She was a stay-at-home mother for several years and later worked for her husband at his company, Vance Insurance. Her hobbies included reading, traveling, participating in church activities, and shopping. Jean found immense pleasure in a great purse and a fantastic pair of shoes. In 2007, Jean took on her favorite role and became “Mimi” to her only grandson, Aidan. She enjoyed spending time with him and watching him grow over the years. In addition to Kelley and Aidan, Jean is survived by her sisters Sandra “Sue” (late husband Joe) Mazol, Rebecca Lee (Frank) Blanton, brother David (Peggy) Payne, along with several nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate the life of Jean Vance will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in the Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory on Athens Road in Princeton. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton, WV. Friends may visit the family on Monday from 5pm-7pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Charles T. “Chuck” Mathena II Foundation Inc for Scholarships, #2 Stafford Common, Princeton WV, 24740. Online Condolences may be shared with the family via www.www.memorialfd.com