Gayle Dearborn Vance

Gayle was born in Nashville on July 7, 1945. She graduated from The Harpeth Hall School in 1963 and Sweet Briar College in 1967.

Gayle married Donald Kent Roberts in 1967, and after a brief time in New York City, moved to Richmond, VA.

Gayle returned to Nashville in 1974 where she worked as a software developer. She met Edward Hudson Vance, whom she married in 1979. In 1990, Gayle and Ed founded Signature Companies, LLC, a dry-cleaning company which they managed together for 30 years. They shared 42 wonderful years of marriage.

Gayle was a member of the Junior League, The Colonial Dames of America and the Centennial Club. She was president and served on the board for West End Home for Ladies during its transition to a private foundation called the West End Home Foundation, dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults through grantmaking, advocacy and community collaboration. She assisted with the thoughtful relocation of the remaining residents of the West End Home to a newly constructed wing at The Blakeford.

Gayle was known for her genuine kindness toward others, her bright eyes, warm smile, and distinctive laugh. She loved deeply and found great joy in being with her family and friends, especially in Sea Island, GA and at their house on Center Hill Lake. Her empathy and compassion extended equally to animals. She was never without a four-legged family member. Gayle volunteered at the Nashville Humane Association and fostered many puppies. She and her golden retriever, Bailey, provided hours of therapeutic reading assistance to children.

Gayle was a founding member and active parishioner at St. George’s Episcopal Church. She volunteered as a receptionist, and participated in Bible studies, senior ministries, and her weekly LIFE group for many years. Her faith was a source of great comfort and strength.

Gayle is predeceased by her mother Virginia Lee Hyde Dearborn and father William Norvell Dearborn. She is survived by her husband Edward Hudson Vance, sister Virginia Mason Dearborn, daughter Vickie Vance, daughter Sarah Roberts Hart (Daniel), son Michael Edward Vance (Michelle), and grandchildren (Reese, Kyndra, Mason, Robert, Zack and Carter).

Services were held at St. George’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Visitation 10:30 am, Memorial Service at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alive Hospice (1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203, www.alivehospice.org), Nashville Humane Association (213 Oceola Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, www.nashvillehumane.org), St. George’s Episcopal Church (4715 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205, www.stgeorgesnashville.org) or the charity of your choice.