Arrangements entrusted to Preferred Cremation and Burial.
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Norman Eugene Vance, Sr., a proud and longtime member St. Stephen’s Cathedral Church of God in Christ, was the second-born child of Roosevelt and Elvira Vance. His wonderful life began on August 7, 1940, in Roanoke, VA. He was a miracle baby, born at only 2 lbs., it was uncertain if he would survive. But survive he did! The loving care of his parents and grandmother Marybelle, to whom he became the favorite grandchild, proved to be just what baby Norman needed to thrive.
Norman would later move to San Diego, California, where his cousin, Mary Evelyn and
her husband, James, would enthusiastically welcome him. California is where Norman thrived! For several years he was employed at the Marine Corp. Air Station as a Barber. He met his lovely bride and wife of 62 years, Pecolia Jackson, by way of his good friend, Allen Gore. They were soon married at the ripe old ages of 19 and 22. From that
Union came two beautiful children, Melony and Norman Jr. They purchased their first home in Southeast San Diego in 1963, where they reside to this day.
Norman was an introspective man who would give a helping hand and a kind word to anyone who came within his presence. He had a love for nature and a special affinity towards exotic fish and birds, which he collected and nurtured.
On the evening of March 4, 2025, Norman Eugene Vance, Sr., earned his rest and said goodbye to us, but not without leaving his indelible legacy of love, life and the pursuit of happiness “by any means necessary”. God called a great one home!
Norman was preceded in death by his parents; Roosevelt and Elvira Vance, Stepfather Herbert S. Wade, brothers; William, Billy, Leon Vance, and Donald Wade, and sister Sherby Witcher.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Pecolia Vance, daughter Melony Vance (San
Diego, CA) son Norman (Kena) Vance, Jr. (Newhall, CA), five grandchildren; Phillip Coney, Norman Vance III, Myles Coney, Erin, and Madison Vance, brothers; Walter Vance and Raymond (Patricia) Wade (Roanoke, VA), two sisters; Evelyn (Isaac) Williams (Murrieta, CA) and Lucille (Harold) Hancock (Roanoke, VA), Tommy (JoAnn Vance), good friend and cousin, goddaughter, Vernice Mason-Brown, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
