Vance E Thorpe Jr

Vance Elwyn Thorpe Jr.

Affectionately Known as “Mite/Mike”

January 15, 1968 – September 26, 2026

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die.” Ecclesiastes 3:1–2

Vance Elwyn Thorpe Jr., affectionately known to his family and friends as “Mite” or “Mike,” departed this life on September 26, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, faith, unforgettable memories, and a legacy that will continue through the many people whose lives he touched.

Vance was born on January 15, 1968, in Wilmington, Delaware, to Alice Cecilia Rideout and Vance Elwyn Thorpe Sr. He was raised in Delaware and attended Christiana High School in Newark, Delaware, where he built friendships and memories that would remain part of his life for years to come.

From an early age, Vance developed into a hardworking, dependable, and caring man. He took pride in providing for the people he loved and was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, determination, and willingness to show up whenever his family or friends needed him. Underneath his strong presence was a genuine heart of gold.

Education and personal growth were important to Vance. He attended Colorado Technical University, where he pursued studies in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Human Services. While attending, he earned Dean’s List honors and successfully completed a Fast Track challenge exam in Introductory Written Communication with a score of 94 percent. Although he did not complete the degree program, his academic accomplishments reflected his determination to continue learning, growing, and working toward his goals.

Vance was also a man of faith. He gave his life to the Lord and loved Him with his whole heart. He was a member of Life Worth Living, where he especially enjoyed praise and worship. He loved singing along, and anyone who worshiped around him knew it did not take long before he pulled out his phone to record a song or special moment that touched him.

He loved the Word of God and was always willing to help the church however he could. He faithfully stood beside his brother and best friend, John Finney, serving proudly as his right-hand man. His faith became an important part of who he was and how he loved and supported those around him.

Those who knew Mite/Mike knew there was never a dull moment when he was around. He was truly the life of the room. He could tell a story, crack a joke, or make a comment that would have everyone laughing until their stomachs hurt and tears were running down their faces. His sense of humor was one of the many gifts he shared freely.

And then there was his smile. Vance had a big, handsome, bright smile that was absolutely contagious and could brighten anyone’s mood. His smile, laughter, and personality had a way of changing the atmosphere. His presence was commanding, but his heart was warm, compassionate, and full of love.

Vance enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time with family and friends, laughing, telling stories, enjoying good food, listening to music, admiring cars, and making memories with the people closest to him. He also loved riding motorcycles and enjoyed the freedom and excitement of being on the road.

He was also a devoted fan of the Washington Commanders. Win or lose, they were his team. He loved watching the games, supporting them, and proudly representing his Commanders.

Above all else, Vance loved his family.

His memory will forever be honored and cherished by his loving mother, Alice C. Rideout.

His greatest legacy lives on through the children he lovingly called his “Scorpio babies”: his oldest and only daughter, Jessica Ringgold; his baby boy, Andrew Carulli; and his youngest son, Micah Couchman, affectionately known as the “youngest in charge.”

Mite/Mike also embraced Marisa Parker and Jazzmine Murray as his bonus daughters, serving as a father figure in their lives and loving them as his own.

His legacy also continues through his two beloved grandchildren: his only granddaughter, Ciarra J. Ringgold, daughter of Jessica, and his only grandson, Isaiah Murphy, son of Andrew. He loved both of his grandchildren dearly and was incredibly proud of them.

Vance is also survived by his siblings: Kevin Jones of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Vanessa Thorpe-Freeman of Jacksonville, Florida; Carol Meshack of Houston, Texas; Kevin Pearson of Clinton, Maryland; Vernadette Darrenger; Raymond Aborn of Lynn; Teena Hicks (Joel) of Cumberland, Maryland; his sister, his road dawg, and his ace, VanZharee Huff of Wilmington, Delaware; and his best friend and brother, John Finney (Danielle Finney) of Newark, Delaware.

He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, extended family members, church family, loved ones, and many friends who will continue to carry his memory forward.

Vance was preceded in death by his father, Vance Elwyn Thorpe Sr.; his sister, Charlene Hall; his brother, Darnell C. Lloyd; and his fiancée, Heather Baumann.

Mite/Mike was deeply loved, and his absence will be felt in countless ways. His family will miss his jokes, his laughter, his stories, his big smile, his strong presence, his faith, and the way he could turn an ordinary moment into a memory.

He was the life of the party, the heart of his family, and the soul of every room he entered.

Though Vance departed this life on September 26, 2026, the love he gave will never leave. His laughter will continue to echo through the stories told about him. His faith will remain part of his legacy. His children and grandchildren will carry his memory into future generations, and the countless lives he touched will forever be evidence that his life mattered.

Vance Elwyn “Mite/Mike” Thorpe Jr. was very loved, and he will be deeply missed.

Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Rest easy, Mite/Mike. Your legacy will live on forever.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Funeral Home to assist with the funeral expenses at this link: https://app.fluidpay.com/spp/Thorpe