Genelle Lott Vance, 81, of Belzoni, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Genelle was born December 25, 1941, in Greenwood, Mississippi, to Del Perkins Lott, Jr and Genelle Joiner Lott of Belzoni. She was born alongside her twin brother, Del Perkins Lott, III who she loved dearly and the bond they created was inseparable.

Genelle was a graduate of Isola High School, and she continued her education at Delta State College. While at Delta State, she was a proud member of Kappa Delta Pi, Association of Childhood Education and the Wesley Foundation. Genelle graduated with honors as a "Delta Scholar" at Delta State and obtained her degree in Elementary Education. Genelle began her lifelong passion of teaching at Yazoo City School System for one year and one year at Leflore County Public School System prior to relocating her family to Oxford where she taught for two years. Genelle and her husband decided to return home to Belzoni where she began her career at Humphreys Academy. Genelle went on to teach for 45 years at Humphreys Academy until retirement where she ultimately taught for 49 years. During the years, she had the honor of teaching all her children and grandchildren in school.   Following retirement, Genelle continued her role with Mississippi Spelling Bee Association where over the years she was able to see many of her students win 1 ^st and 2 ^nd place at the Regional Mississippi State Spelling Bee contest. Genelle adored every child she taught as their success was her utmost priority. She centered her life around education and her family. Genelle was a loving mother and grandmother. She was very proud of her family and all their accomplishments.  Genelle was a member of Belzoni First United Methodist Church and the Music Lovers Club.

Genelle is preceded in death by her parents, Del Perkins Lott, Jr and Genelle Joiner Lott; her husband, Leslie Wallace Vance, Sr.; one son, Leslie Wallace Vance, Jr.; two brothers, James Claver Lott and Del Perkins Lott, III; and one sister, Linda Lott Johnson.

She is survived by her two daughters, Gelinda Vance Wade and Dana Ann Vance, both of Belzoni; five grandchildren, Amber Foster Mauney and her husband John of Nashville, Tennessee, Dillian Vance Foster, of Belzoni, Hayden Wallace Vance of Hernando, Lelia Nelle Vance and Karter Vance Hall both of Belzoni; one daughter-in-law, Rebecca Barrett Vance of Hernando; one sister-in-law, Sylvia Farmer Lott of Ridgeland, Mississippi and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews who she dearly loved.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Monday, January 30, 2023, at Belzoni First United Methodist Church. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at Belzoni First United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Wiman and Rev. Keith Keeton officiating. The burial will follow in Belzoni Cemetery. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Humphreys Academy Elementary School, PO Box 179, Belzoni, MS 39038.