50-Year-Reunion

Barbara Sadler Vance 125 Windrush Court, Stokesdale, North Carolina 27357 sbvance77@gmail.com December 15

In 1977, I married the love of my life, Sam Vance. Two years later, I graduated from Bluefield State University (formerly Bluefield State College) with a Bachelor ’ s degree in Elementary Education. That same year, I began my teaching career in Tazewell County, Virginia. Over the course of 36 wonderful years, I had the joy of teaching at Falls Mills Elementary, North Tazewell Elementary, Graham Intermediate, and Dudley Primary. I officially retired in 2014, grateful for a career filled with laughter, learning and little lives that left big impressions. Retirement opened the door to new adventures—including a three - year stint as receptionist at Brown Sack Florist. Surrounded by flowers and friendly faces, it was the perfect “ just - for fun ” job! Sam and I marked our 10th anniversary with a dream trip to Hawaii, and that adventure ignited a love for travel that led us to all 50 states and beyond! Some of our favorite stops include Yellowstone, Yosemite, the San Juan Islands, Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, San Fransico, Hearst Castle, Mackinac Island, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, Park City, Carmel - by - the - Sea, Arcadia National Park, Martha ’ s Vineyard, St. Martin, Nova Scotia, and a memorable cruise to Alaska. And yes, we even took in the magic of the Pacific Coast Highway! For 14 years, we shared our home with Dakota Trebek, our beloved Yorkshire Terrier, who graciously let us live with him and kept our hearts full of love and laughter. Our lives have been enriched by four amazing nieces and two wonderful nephews. We ’ ve had the joy of spoiling them silly and taking them on special adventures over the years. These days we are completely smitten with our next generation -- two great - nieces and two great - nephews who have us wrapped around their tiny fingers. You can often find us babysitting, giggling and soaking up every sweet moment. It is one of life ’ s greatest blessings. After a lifetime in West Virginia, we began a new chapter in 2024 with a move to North Carolina, still side by side, still making memories and still thankful for every mile of the journey.

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