Faye Barr Vance (1930 – 2026)

Faye Barr Vance, 95, of Strasburg, VA passed away on March 26, 2026 at Commonwealth Assisted Living Facility in Front Royal, VA under the care of Blue Ridge Hospice.

Faye was born April 3, 1930 in Rig, WV to the late Richard Alexander Barr and Grace Halterman Barr (Phillips). She was preceded in death by her husband, John Cooper Vance in 1996 and a daughter, Cynthia Ann in 1956.

She is survived by two daughters, Celinda Hollingsworth (Doug) of Round Hill, VA and Patricia Callihan (Randy) of Strasburg, VA; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Leslie Barr (Carolyn) of Wardensville, WV; her sisters Wayde Harper (Dean) of Jefferson, MD, Eleanor Hiser of Petersburg, WV and Bonnie Sites (Ralph) of Dorcas, WV. Faye is survived by multiple nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Marion Wilson of Moorefield, WV and her brother Lawrence Barr of Petersburg, WV.

Faye graduated from Moorefield High School in 1948 and married the love of her life, John Cooper Vance, in 1951. She worked and helped to support John while he graduated from Bridgewater College in 1953. Upon graduation, John enlisted in the US Army where he and Faye were stationed at Fort Bliss, New Mexico. Faye worked in a department store in Las Cruces, NM until John was discharged from the Army in 1955.

In 1955, Faye and John moved to Pleasant Valley in Loudoun County where John began to teach and Faye commuted to work as a secretary at Fort Meade, MD. They moved to Leesburg in 1960. Faye and John became members of the Leesburg Presbyterian Church where Faye later served as a Deacon and Elder of the Church, was a member of the Emma Clemmons Circle and served as a Sunday School teacher, Bible School Teacher and worked on many committees.

Faye worked as the Executive Director of the Loudoun County Board of Realtors for 25 years. She was described as a positive, bright and caring leader who skillfully led and served as a role model for incoming officers, directors, committee chairs and her own staff. She retired in 1991 and enjoyed traveling, gardening, quilting and spending time with John.

Faye lost John in 1996. After his death she began volunteering as a “Pink Lady” at the Loudoun Hospital Center, worked as a member of the Ladies’ Board which raised money for Nursing Scholarships at the Twice is Nice shop. Faye was also a member of the Leesburg Lioness Club and the Rainbow Investment Club. Faye found healing from the loss of John through her community volunteerism and by caring for her family and friends. She was known for her love and joy which she exuded in all areas of her life. Family meant the world to Faye. She had weekly Sunday dinners with delicious food, fellowship and her favorite Chardonnay.

Faye leaves behind a legacy of love for family, and the memory of a warm, friendly, positive person that touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be greatly missed and treasured always.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 2nd at 2 pm at the Leesburg Presbyterian Church with visitation beginning at 1 pm. An Interment service will be held at the Olivet Cemetery in Moorefield, WV on May 30th at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lights of Love, The Ladies Board, P.O. Box 6115, Leesburg, VA 20178.