Vermelle “Vam” Cardwell York of Gainesville, FL passed away on July 21, 2021. A native of Evergreen, Alabama, she was 96. Vam was a Gainesville resident for over 50 years and was married for 64 years to Florida University System Chancellor Emeritus E. T. York, who died in 2011.
Vam’ service to the University of Florida included that of interim first lady, for which she received the President’s Medallion in 1980. She had been honored by numerous organizations in the Gainesville area including being named a Woman of Distinction by Santa Fe Community College and the Women Who Make a Difference by the North Florida Girl Scouts of Gateway Council.
Involved in Gainesville real estate since the mid-60’s, Vam served as president of two family-owned development firms: Tralisa Corporation, which developed the Kenwood and Valwood neighborhoods and Caret Corporation, which developed the Mentone neighborhood.
She has served in leadership positions with the Gainesville Builders Association, Friends of Music, Keep Alachua County Beautiful, Hospice Showcase House, Trinity Methodist Church, the March of Dimes, Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and the Gainesville Community Foundation.
Vam York was also a member of Rotary International, Altrusa International, Gainesville Women’s Forum, the University Women’s Club, University Agricultural Wives, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the P.E.O Sisterhood. The Gainesville Community Playhouse named its performance hall the Vam York Theatre.
A native of Evergreen, Alabama, Vam earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Auburn University, where she was elected president of women’s student government and was a member of numerous honorary and leadership organizations including Oracles, Cardinal Key, Phi Kappa Phi, and Mortar Board. She was a life member of the Auburn Alumni Association and was named to Who’s Who in American Universities and Marquis Who’s Who in America.
She was born January 30, 1925. Her parents were Emmie Pitts and F. Lofton Cardwell, who preceded her in death. Both families settled in Conecuh County, Alabama in the early 1800’s. Genealogy was her hobby.
Vam also enjoyed travelling. She and E. T. traveled all over the world, both for personal pleasure and also when he was working on world hunger.
Her survivors include her son, Travis York, of St. Augustine, FL. and her daughter, Lisa York, of Jacksonville, FL, a nephew, Guy York and wife Martha of Gainesville, two grandnephews and a grandniece, a niece, Claudia York of Asheville, NC, nephew, Stan (Mary) and grandniece Mary Caroline (Patrick McCormic) of Birmingham, AL.
Vam York will be entombed in Gainesville alongside E.T. in the Forest Meadow’s Mausoleum in a private ceremony. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Trinity United Methodist Church 4000 NW 53rd Avenue Gainesville, FL 32653. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, and Haven Hospice 4200 NW 90th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 311 s. Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-5361 www.milamfh.com
