Biography:
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Sarah Mae Vance on January 9, 2025. Born on June 13, 1940, in Pendleton, South Carolina, to Lela McGee and Balous Vance, Sarah carried with her the resilience and warmth of her roots. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.
Throughout her life, Sarah remained deeply devoted to her family. She was a loving mother to Charles Kenneth Rice, Anthony Corey, and Patrick Corey, and a devoted grandmother who raised her granddaughter, Jazmin Corey, as her own daughter. Her love extended to her grandchildren—Yasmin Rice, Ashley Rice, Shanon Rice, Christian Corey, and Luke Corey—as well as her great-grandchildren, Ezio Bussey, Zachary Thomas, Mason Rice, James Freeman III, and Grayson Freeman. She is also survived by her siblings, Clara Wheaton, Balous Vance, Mack Vance, Lela Vance and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was a force to be reckoned with—strong-willed, fiercely independent, and never afraid to speak her mind. Sarah lived life on her own terms, with passion, courage, and an unshakable sense of self.
Her strength was not just in her words but in her actions, in the way she carried those around her when they needed it most.
Though she was strong, Sarah’s heart was even stronger. Beneath her outspoken nature was a deep well of love and kindness. She gave freely—to her family, her friends, and anyone in need. She was the kind of person who would fight for you, lift you up, and tell you exactly what you needed to hear, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. Sarah Bernhard was one of a kind. The world is quieter without her voice, but her presence will never fade from our hearts.
