Arletta Rae Vance

It is with deep sorrow, and an immense amount of love, that we announce the passing of Arletta R. Vance of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Born on October 16, 1953, at Camp Atterbury in Johnson County, Indiana, the daughter of a Master Sergeant, it seems only fitting that her life would be one of movement, adventure, and an unshakable strength of spirit. She leaves behind a brightness that those who loved her will carry for the rest of their lives. She had a rare and beautiful gift — the ability to find sunshine in every storm — and she gave that gift freely to everyone lucky enough to know her.

If you ever stepped into Arletta's kitchen, you were greeted by a sign that said it all: "Eat dessert first." That was her philosophy, in three words. Life was too short to wait for the good stuff, and Arletta never did. You could always count on finding ice cream in her freezer, a reason to celebrate on her calendar, and an open seat at her table. No one was ever a stranger in her home. If she could help, she would — and she always found a way.

Family was Arletta's greatest joy and her highest calling. She lived for her children and grandchildren, and nowhere was that more evident than at Thanksgiving, her favorite holiday. Every year, without fail, each person found a gift wrapped in aluminum foil waiting at their place at her table — because to Arletta, gathering together was always worth celebrating, and the people she loved were always worth honoring.

Her warmth extended far beyond her family's front door. As an HR director, she built a career around listening, supporting, and lifting people up — and she brought that same devotion home with her every single day. You could come to her with anything, and she would always listen. Not just hear you but truly listen. That was a gift not everyone carries, and she carried it gracefully.

Arletta was a woman who believed that life was meant to be lived fully and without hesitation. She never needed a reason to celebrate, only people to celebrate with. Whether the road stretched to Alaska or curved toward Hawaii, she was ready. She was equally at home on a long drive to nowhere in particular, windows down, on the hunt for the next roadside oddity that most people would pass right by. To Arletta, those were the moments worth stopping for — and they were always better with the people she loved along for the ride.

Arletta leaves behind her devoted husband, David Vance; her children, Amanda and Wayne Lannan, and Amber and LD Smith; her grandchildren, Tyler Duke, Kameron Lannan, and KaiLani Smith; and her brothers, Daniel, Tom, and Rocky Burkhead — a family she adored and who adored her right back. Also by her side throughout her journey were her beloved dogs, Dunkin and Misha, whose loyalty and companionship brought her endless happiness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Master Sergeant Edward W. and Mildred E. Burkhead, whose memory she honored in the way she lived.

The greatest lesson Arletta shared with us is that there is always something to celebrate, always room at the table, and always — if you look hard enough — sunshine waiting on the other side of the storm.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to honor Arletta's legacy by showing up for someone who needs you, lending a hand without being asked, taking the long road every now and then, and never — ever — skipping dessert. We believe this would be the most fitting tribute to her beautiful life.

True to her spirit, Arletta has asked that her celebration of life be just that — a celebration. A Sail Away Party will be held in her honor, a joyful gathering for all who loved her to come together, share stories, and send her off the way she would have wanted — with love, laughter, and probably dessert. She will be cremated and laid to rest with full honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Details will be shared with family and friends as arrangements are finalized. Arletta didn't just pass through life — she explored it, embraced it, and made it warmer for everyone around her. May she rest in the sunshine she always managed to find.