Mr. Jennings Bryan Vance, 98, of Newton, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Newton County.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, at Pine Bluff Baptist Church from 10:00 am – 11:30 am, with the funeral following at 11:30 am in the church sanctuary. Bro. Jackie Strebeck and Bro. Lin Chesney will officiate. Burial will take place in the Pine Bluff Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.
Bryan served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years at Pine Bluff Baptist Church. He is remembered by many in the community for his work at White’s Hardware Store, and later at Hailey’s Hardware Store. After his retirement from Hailey’s Hardware, he and his wife enjoyed traveling with friends and he was an avid gardener. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as by many friends and other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Mary Helen Valentine Vance; his parents, Luther Vance and Velma Vance Gill; his stepfather, Rufus Gill; his sister, Evelyn Vance Smith; his brother, Durward Vance and his grandson, Ken Richardson.
Survivors include his four children, Dianne Richardson (Hubert), Elizabeth Vance, Debbie Vance, and Bill Vance (Vicki); three grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Tim Richardson, Chris Vance, Mickey Vance, Jerry Smith, Charles Godwin, and Tony Valentine.
Honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughter, his great-grandchildren, and his great-great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice for the care they gave our loved one during his illness.
An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
Newton County Funeral Home – South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, is in charge of the arrangements.
Paid Obituary
