Neighbor of victim recalls time spent living next to her

SARALAND, Ala. (WALA) - Amelia Armistead recalls plucking flowers from her garden and bringing them to Gloria Vance's home.

Over the course of about two years, she and Vance, had become much more than just two people who share the same Saraland street.

But Friday morning, the Saraland Police Department responded to a domestic violence call, and found Vance unresponsive on the floor.

The 66-year-old Vance was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police are calling it a murder, and they already have a suspect behind bars: her son.

Now, that home Armistead frequently visited will constantly remind her of tragedy.

"She was a kind and a caring person," Armistead said. "I just hate that all this has happened."

Saturday, on the eve of a day meant to honor mothers, 30-year-old Willie Vance, Jr. sat in jail, accused of killing his.

Armistead doesn't understand where it came from. She said the Vance's appeared to be very nice people.

"Every time you saw them, they were both smiling and they always spoke whenever we were out or we saw them anywhere," Armistead said.

Armistead said she wouldn't associate the Vance household with any kind of domestic dispute. She said this event has not only left her shaken, but it has affected the entire community. She said she will miss Gloria Vance and she is sure everyone in the area will do the same.

"And I know her family will really miss her," she said. "But I just think that the neighbors and the people in this area need to keep them in their prayers."

Armistead said Willie Vance, Sr. also lives in the home, but was not present during the alleged incident.

She asked him if he plans to remain in the residence.

She said he told her, "I feel like I should."