Dorothy "Dottie" Nell (Cropper) Vance

Dorothy "Dottie" (Cropper) Vance, 83, of Inverness, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on April 11, 1943, in Blue Creek, Ohio, Dottie was adopted by Mellie and Lowell B. Cropper and raised in Adams County, Ohio. It was there that a blind date introduced her to Glennis "Levon" Vance, the man who would become the love of her life. They were married on April 15, 1961, and just one month later, Dottie proudly graduated from Seaman High School. Finishing school after beginning married life was an early glimpse of the determination and resilience that would carry her through the years ahead.

Dottie and Levon shared 53 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, hard work, and family until his passing on August 18, 2014.

She devoted many years to raising her family as a homemaker before spending 11 years as a school bus assistant for special needs students in Pasco County. Caring for others came naturally to Dottie, and she took great pride in the children she worked with.

Dottie was the proud mother of Thomas Christopher Vance, Ritchie Dale Vance, Dennis Levon Vance, Eric Robbin Vance, and Jaimie Leahann (Vance) Chauncey.

She is survived by her daughter, Jaimie Leahann (Vance) Chauncey, and son-in-law, Dusty Chauncey; her grandchildren Ashley, Joshua, Kaylee, Macie, Lillian, and Carson Glenn; her sister, Barbara; her half-sisters, Laura and Emma; her half-brother, Larry; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Among the many roles she held throughout her life, one of the most treasured was being "Nana" to those who knew her by that name. It was a title she cherished and one that always brought a smile to her face.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Glennis "Levon" Vance; her sons, Thomas Christopher Vance, Ritchie Dale Vance, Dennis Levon Vance, and Eric Robbin Vance; her siblings Elinor, Jane, and Richard; and her half-siblings Birdie Rae and Betsy.

If you knew Dottie, you knew she didn't believe in sugarcoating much. She spoke her mind, stood her ground, and wasn't likely to back down from an argument. She could be stubborn, she could be feisty, and she always had an opinion. She loved in her own way, and those who knew her best understood that beneath her stubborn streak was a heart that cared deeply for her family.

Dottie will be remembered for her beautiful red hair, her quick wit, and the spark that made her unmistakably herself. She loved sitting by the water, traveling whenever she had the chance, spending time with her family, and enjoying a good margarita. Whether it was a family gathering, a road trip, or simply sitting and talking, she cherished time spent with the people she loved. 

In her final months, Dottie made her home with her daughter and son-in-law, Jaimie Leahann (Vance) and Dusty Chauncey. Caring for Dottie was one of their life's greatest honors. Through the love and devotion of her family, she was able to spend her final days exactly where she wanted to be—at home. Surrounded by those who loved her most, Dottie passed peacefully on June 30, 2026. Dottie leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories that will be shared around family tables for generations, and a legacy of determination, laughter, and love that will never be forgotten.

A private family visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home in Inverness, Florida. A funeral service celebrating the lives of Dorothy "Dottie" Vance and her son, Thomas Christopher Vance, will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Potter Funeral Home in West Liberty, Kentucky, with Gary Evans officiating.  Visitation will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the Potter Funeral Home.    

Following the service, Dottie will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Glennis "Levon" Vance, and alongside their four sons at the Vance Fork Cemetery, West Liberty, KY. Though she will be deeply missed, the family finds comfort in knowing they are together again.

Pallbearers will be her family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy "Dottie" Nell (Cropper) Vance, please visit our floral store.