Patricia "Ann" Jones Driver Vause

Battleboro – Patricia “Ann” Jones Driver Vause, age 92, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.  Born in Nash County, NC on October 21, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Sidney Thomas Jones and Margaret Ellen Coley Jones.  She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Putney Driver, Sr.; her second husband, James “Jim” Norwood Vause, Sr.; and her sister, Julia Ellen Jones Purinai.

Ann started her career working at Flowers of Henry, where she saw firsthand the business growing from meager beginnings in an old barn, to earning an FTD certification, to the opening of a store in Tarrytown Mall.  She later worked at the Lighting Center and retired from Belk.  A devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to many, Ann will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Ann is survived by her children, Brenda Driver Sasser (Steve), Robert “Bob” Driver, Jr. (Melinda), Kaye Driver Smith (Danny), Martha Driver Asby (Al), Bonnie Vause Berry (Matt), and James Norwood Vause, Jr. (Beth); her 12 grandchildren; her 12 great grandchildren; her sister, Margaret Sue Collins; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dearest friends.

A Graveside Service to celebrate Ann’s life will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park, 4454 Dortches Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Keith Griffin officiating.  Visitation with the family will be following the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to either Dortches Baptist Church Endowment Fund, 4776 Dortches Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, or to UNC Nash Hospice Foundation, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.