Blanche Vess Woodward

Blanche Geneva Vess Woodward, 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at Flesher’s Fairview Healthcare Center, where she received excellent and loving care.

A native of Buncombe County, she was a daughter of the late Harold and Lucy Todd Cole. Blanche was also preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Charles Edward Vess, who passed away in 1984 and her second husband, Thomas Earl Woodward, who passed away in 1997, as well as 5 brothers, Floyd, Eugene, Richard, Donald and infant, Mac Cole.

Blanche is survived by three children, Charles Edward “Ed” Vess Jr. (Linda), Brenda Vess Brigman (Wayne) and Joel Vess (Theresa); seven grandchildren, Tamala Vess Bryson (Wally), Jonathan Edward Vess, Deanne Stewart (Raymond), Dwayne Lee Brigman (Jill), Lorissa “Lori” Vess Kutchman, Ashleigh Vess Golden (Jeremy), Brittany Vess Davis (Cameron); three sisters, Katie Jaquot (Dick), Aline Ingram (Jack) and Joyce Miller; one brother, Bruce Cole (Julie); fourteen great-grandchildren, four great great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

Blanche was a devout Christian who was the oldest and longest-standing member of Biltmore Church Of God. She taught Sunday School there for more than 40 years. Blanche loved being with her family and friends and was very social, always bringing a smile to everyone’s face with her bright personality. She enjoyed cooking and writing poetry.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 26 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Oakley and will be officiated by Pastor Dale Whitson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Biltmore Church Of God, 1390 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.