Charlotte Nadie Vance passed away at her residence on January 31, 2026. She was born on August 19, 1946, in Peoria, Illinois, to the late Robert Walter Murray and Mary Cappie Sisk Murray.
Charlotte worked for many years at USEC, where she later retired. It was also there that she met the love of her life, James Russell “Jimmy” Vance. She loved to travel, especially to destinations with a beach. One of her lifelong goals was to see Mount Rushmore, a trip she was proud to have accomplished.
Charlotte had a generous and welcoming spirit. She opened her home and heart as a host mother to two international students, treating them as part of her own family. She was known for writing everything in shorthand, a skill she carried throughout her life, even though it often made her notes difficult for others to read.
In her younger years, Charlotte enjoyed bowling and even had her own bowling ball before becoming a mother. She loved to dance and once took belly dancing lessons, which became one of her favorite hobbies. Charlotte also had a passion for music and singing and took singing lessons while in high school. She was proud to have been one of the first female cheerleaders at St. Mary’s Academy.
Charlotte was known for her pristine sense of fashion and always took pride in her appearance. She had a natural eye for style.
She was a devoted member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Paducah, where her faith and fellowship with others meant a great deal to her.
Charlotte is survived by her daughter, Teresa “Terri” Drake (Travis) of Kevil, Kentucky; her son, Christopher “Chris” James Vance of Paducah, Kentucky; her sister, Roberta Marcella “Marcie” Robinson; her brother, Bill Henry Murray of Nashville, Tennessee; her grandchildren, Collin Drake and Allyssa Drake; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Russell “Jimmy” Vance; her sister, Teressa Louella, and her brother, Robert Gerald Murray.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Paducah, Kentucky, with Rev. Mike Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour at 12:00 p.m.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements
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