Belva Lee Vance, age 77, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024. She was born on August 13, 1946, to the late William and Margaret Lee of Bell Buckle, TN. She was married to her beloved husband, Gray (Joe) Vance for nearly 56 years.

She lived in Hardee County for 55 years. Graduating from Middle Tennessee State University in 1968, she went on to teach math for 30 years at Hardee High School. She was a faithful member of Faith Presbyterian Church of Wauchula, Women's Club of Wauchula, Delta Kappa Gamma professional society for women's education, teacher-sponsor of Lionettes at Hardee High School, Main Street Wauchula, and a Mary Kay consultant. Belva was the owner of Heritage Park Antiques in downtown Wauchula for 10 years and part owner of Collins Street Junction in Plant City for 20 years.

Belva's family will remember her as a devoted follower of Christ, wife, mother, and grandmother who was intentionally a big part of their lives. She loved her husband, Gray (Joe), who she was rarely apart from during their nearly 56-year marriage, a great deal. She loved collecting and selling antiques, yard sales, traveling, and feeding her family.

She is survived by her husband, Gray (Joe) Vance; two children: Jamey (Laura) Vance of Lake Helen, FL; Krissa (Greg) Valentine of Lakeland, FL; four grandchildren: Emily (Collin) Tretter of Tallahassee, FL; Bradley Vance of Lake Helen, FL; Abigail Vance of Lake Helen, FL; and Sean Valentine of Lakeland, FL; and eleven nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Margaret Lee; brother, Donald Ray Lee; and infant son, Christopher Kelly Vance.

Online Condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.come

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.