William Vance Hawthorne departed this life for his Eternal Heavenly home on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Southside Regional Hospital in Petersburg, Virginia.

Best known as Vance, and affectionately called 'Weenie', he was born to the late Martha Maria Hawthorne Johnson and Nelson Johnson on January 10,1950, in Greensville County, Virginia.

He started his early education in the Emporia School System, and after the family moved to Richmond, Virginia, he graduated from Armstrong High School. A veteran; he enlisted and served 6 years in the Army. Rising to the rank of Sergeant, he served his country during the Vietnam War as a Radio Mechanic; and received medals for National Defense Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary (Korea), Vietnam Service with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, Good Conduct Medal Clasp Bronze with 2 Loops. He retired from McGuire Veterans Hospital after 28 years of service.

Vance was a devoted brother, father, uncle and friend to many. He loved reading and bowling, and was a member of the "Oldies But Goodies" bowling league.

He was preceded in death by his only nephew, Shamarl "Omar" Whittaker; and leaves to cherish his memory one devoted sister, Priscilla Y. Johnson-White;  devoted brother-in-law, Rodney W. White; two sons, William 'Dexter" Marrow (Sheron) and William "Aljaniel" Whitfield; two granddaughters, Keira Jones-Whitfield, Jayla L. Whitfield; three grandsons; Michael Eanes, William Dexter Marrow II, Jonathan Marrow; two great-granddaughters: Sanyia M. Marrow and Giselle Whitfield; one niece; Shovawn D. St. John (Clinton); one great-niece; TyAsia S. Whittaker; devoted family; Temika L. Hawthorne, TeVar D. Hawthorne, Tajiri Hawthorne; devoted friends Keith Pleasants, Ann Dobson, Robert Jennings; and a host of other relatives, loved ones, and friends.

Funeral services can be viewed online by selecting the "View Funeral Webcast" link below on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

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