Carolyn Via was the wife of Rev. Bernard S. Via, Jr. (retired)
Carolyn Vance Via, 93, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024. She was born on a farm in Chillhowie Virginia, the oldest daughter of four children of Irene Vance and James Wood Vance. Her siblings include Dorothy Minkoff, Jim Vance and Sonny Vance. She was married for 73 years to Bernard Starr Via Jr. and stood by his side as a preacher’s wife. She was a loving mother to Beth Via Carter, Bernard Via III, and Balfour Via. She had five grandchildren who adored and supported her, including Corinna Huffines (mother of Ari and Kaia), Aiken Keppler (father of Quest and Harper), Nova Via, Larissa Via, and Miranda Via.
Carolyn loved music and had many dear friends and wonderful times in years of teaching piano, flute and recorder, while living in Arlington, Virginia Beach, Roanoke, and Fairfax. She sang in the choir in every church she and Bernard served.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, their 3 children and their spouses (Joe Carter and Doris Via), 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, her sister Dorothy and her brother Jimmy.
Carolyn’s gentle, caring nature will be missed by the many lives that she touched throughout her life.
A memorial service to celebrate Carolyn’s life was held at Cave Spring UMC, Roanoke, VA.