Lillian “Florence” Vance, 89, of Henrietta, died Saturday, December 19, 2020, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

Florence was born on January 7, 1931, in Richmond, the daughter of Elmer and Leona Mae (Clevenger) Hessenflow. She was united in marriage to Vern E. Vance of rural Henrietta on November 19, 1949. He preceded her in death on July 7, 2009.

Survivors include: her two sons, Mike (Tobi) Vance of Richmond and Mark (Juli) Vance of Leawood, KS; eight grandchildren, Amy (Corey) Weir, Lyndsey Vance, Jon (Hannah) Vance, James (Chandler) Vance, Matt Vance, Tom Vance, Josh Higgs and Troy Higgs; three greatgrandchildren, Alex Vance, Bella Weir, and Lily Yocum; and sister, Wilma Mae Williams of Lexington.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, Alva (Mary) Hessenflow and Roy (Evelyn) Hessenflow; and two sisters, Norma Lee (Snell) Cunningham and Ester (LeeRoy) Jackson.

Florence was reared and educated in Henrietta and graduated from Henrietta High School. She worked for Taber’s Products in Henrietta for many years. Florence was a member of the Henrietta Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She always told her family she started teaching Sunday School and helping with Vacation Bible School when she was 14 years old. Prior to her death, she was the oldest living member of the Henrietta Baptist Church. She lived in Henrietta most of her life.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Shirkey Hospice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Florence lay in state from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, in Richmond Memory Gardens. Please remember to share your memories of Florence with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.