Jo Anne Vance
Jo Anne Vance, 77, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026.
Jo Anne made her home in Lynnwood, Washington, where she devoted herself to family, meaningful work, and the simple joys that brought her happiness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Vance; her parents, Ray Nelson and Dorothy Parks; and her stepfather, Virgil Elledge.
Raised in Pasco, Washington, Jo Anne graduated from Pasco High School and moved to Seattle in 1973 to begin her federal career with the National Marine Fisheries Service, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She later worked briefly for the Internal Revenue Service. During those years, she also helped care for her mother during a lengthy illness.
While working full time, Jo Anne pursued higher education at the University of Puget Sound, earning her bachelor’s degree in public administration in 1979. She went on to build a distinguished career with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a financial analyst, serving more than 30 years and receiving numerous awards and promotions in recognition of her dedication.
Michael and Jo Anne
In retirement, Jo Anne established a financial management consulting practice and devoted time to jewelry making, creating handcrafted pieces she enjoyed sharing. She was also a longtime member of Lake Washington Baptist Church in Seattle, where she faithfully volunteered in a variety of roles.
She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and ability to make others feel valued.
She is survived by her sister, Susan Brooks; her nieces and nephews; great and great-great-nieces and nephews; her best friend, Mary Pedro; and her godson and goddaughter.
A memorial service will be held at a later time. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
The post first appeared on Barton Family Funeral Service.