Franklin – Bernice Haynes Lance, 94, passed away June 9, 2011 at the East Pavilion in Franklin, She was born in Buncombe County, a daughter of the late James F. Haynes and Leslie Mae Williams Haynes and was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Clarence, Herman, Francis, Ruth Banks, Ed, Mary Lance, Esther Lance, and Sidney. Bernice lived in the Asheville area for most of her life until she and her husband moved to Franklin, VA in 1999 to be near their daughter.

Mrs. Lance was an employee of Belk’s Department Store, retiring after 25 years of service. As the daughter of a Baptist minister, she was active in the church most of her life, serving as Sunday School teacher at Calvary Baptist Church. During retirement, she and her husband were involved with an Amateur Radio Club in Asheville for many years.

Bernice in survived by her husband of 72 years, Garland Frank Lance; daughter, Carolyn Boothe (William) of Franklin; sister, Edith Moore of Leicester, NC; five grandchildren, Tonia McClure Burke (Dennis) of Chesapeake, VA, Cara McClure Garlick (Jamie) of Suffolk, VA, Steve Boothe of Washington, DC, Stanley Boothe (Emily) of Franklin, VA, Stewart Boothe (Sue) of Prattville, AL; four great-grandchildren, Brandon, Tyler, and Connor Burke and Eva Garlick; and nieces, nephews, family members, and friends too numerous to mention.

We send special thanks to the staff of East Pavilion Nursing Home and The Village at Woods Edge for their kindness and services.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 pm Monday, June 13, 2011 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Enka, NC with the Rev. Ronnie Owen officiating. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 pm Saturday at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin, VA.

Condolences may be offered at www.wrightfuneralhome.org