MURFREESBORO, N.C.—Alice Davis Vann of the 300 block of Franklin Drive, died peacefully in her home surrounded by her devoted family.

Mrs. Vann was born April 30, 1927 and died the evening of her 80th birthday.

Born in Pendleton, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Ethel Woodard and Roger Williams Davis. She was preceded in death

by her husband of 52 years, Earl Stanford Vann Sr.; brother, Alvin Davis; and two sisters, Mildred D. Hampton and Claire D. Barrett. Alice met and married the “love of her life,” Earl, and together they worked at the family business, Vann Gin Co. and made a warm and loving home for their two children in Murfreesboro.

She dedicated her life to helping young people, first as a GA leader and Sunday school teacher during her more than 50 years as a member of Meherrin Baptist Church. Then, once her children were grown, she attended Chowan College, East Carolina University and North Carolina State University, eventually earning a master’s degree so she might continue working with and counseling students at Chowan College and later at Hertford County High School, retiring in 1995.

Through her dedication and compassion, she was able to positively influence hundreds, if not thousands, of young people through the years and hopefully created generations of bright, caring youth. Nothing could have honored her more.

Survivors include her sister, Carolyn Davis Steele of Greenville, N.C.; her son, Earl Stanford Vann Jr. and wife Daphne and her daughter, Amelia “Amy” Vann Howard. She was extremely proud to be called “Grandmommy” by her three grandchildren and “G.G” by her three great-granddaughters, who were the joy of her life. She passed on her love to granddaughter, Heather Vann Wilson and husband Jim and their two daughters, Emma Grace and Georgia Kate of Forest, Va.; her grandson, John Michael Vann and wife Nikki and their daughter, Olivia Naomi of Murfreesboro; and grandson, Andrew Thomas, also of Murfreesboro. Her family, friends, nieces and nephews will remember her with love and respect.

A life celebration service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday by Dr. James Crocker at Roberts Chapel Baptist Church, Pendleton, N.C., her

“home” church, where she returned during the last years of her life.

The family will receive friends at the residence from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today.

Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, N.C. is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to University Health Systems Hospice Care, 521 W. Meyers St., Ahoskie, N.C. 27910, the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Oberlin Road, Suite 208, Raleigh, NC 27605, the American Cancer Society, (800)227-2345, or 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834, Chowan University, One University Place, Murfreesboro, NC 27855 or Roberts Chapel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 128, Pendleton, N.C. 27862.