Ragley-Celebration of Life services honoring Willie Mae Vance, 96, will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 1 o'clock p.m. at Topsy Baptist Church in Ragley. Rev. Lloyd Carroll will officiate. Willie will be laid to rest at Oaklin Springs Cemetery in Oberlin immediately following her services.

Willie's family will receive friends and visitors at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Kinder on Friday evening, March 1, 2024, from 3-9 o'clock p.m. Willie's visitation will resume at Topsy Baptist Church in Ragley on Saturday morning, March 2, 2024, from 8 a.m. until time of service.  All of Willie's arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Kinder.

Willie went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on Tuesday, February 28, 2024.  Born on February 21,1928, she was the daughter of William and Myrtle Holman. Willie's life began in Mississippi.  She spent her childhood through her early thirties in Arkansas, and then moved to southwest Louisiana for the remainder of her years.  Her first job was in a bow and arrow factory in Pine Bluff, AR, she later worked serving meals in the Kinder Nursing Home, being a Tupperware dealer and then one of the most beautiful Avon dealers there ever was!!!  Willie began God's work at an early age as a preachers' kid and taught children in Sunday School and VBS for over 50 years at Oberlin and Topsy Baptist Church. During her retirement years, Willie enjoyed having a booth in the local Moss Bluff flea market and attending the monthly senior fish fry and worship service at Dry Creek Baptist Camp. In addition to having a servant's heart, Willie's lifelong passion was that of an artisan—and a very talented one, indeed!  She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, embroidery, and jewelry making.  She was NEVER idle.  Nearly everyone Willie knew was blessed with one of her masterpieces.  And, when she wasn't crafting, she was gardening, camping, fishing, fruit, and nut harvesting or winning another hand of her favorite card game-hand and foot! Willie's passion for life and Christ was only matched by her selfless devotion to her family and friends. Her legacy is one of faith, family, and fellowship - with a side of crispy fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and some homemade vanilla ice cream - all wrapped in layer upon layer of unconditional LOVE!  Everyone who knew Willie is forever blessed!

Those left to cherish Willie's memory include two daughters, Ruth Ann Rider of Ragley, LA, and  Linda Maricle and husband Robert of Deridder, LA, one son, Jimmy Barbre and wife Charlene of Deridder, LA, one step-son Tim Vance and wife Jeannie of Blanchard, LA; one brother, David Holman of Yakima, WA, one sister, Winnie Lou Ross of Spooner, WI; 19 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 21 great-great-grandchildren, and, a host of numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends that will forever be inspired by her life.

Willie is preceded in death by her beloved husbands: Jimmy L. Barbre (1963), Herbert "Pete" Rozas (1991), and Hallie "Gene" Vance (2007); two sons, Kenny, and William Edward Barbre; one son-in-law, Oscar Ray Rider, two brothers, James and Reed Holman, two sisters, Ruby Burt, and her twin sister, Wilma Billings Hubbard.

Condolences and words of comfort may be shared with Willie's family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes.