Vancilla was born on September 3, 1930, in Punta Gorda, FL the tenth child to Mack & Illinois Gollman. People in the community called her “Baby Gollman” but her family & friends called her Van. Vancilla graduated from Dunbar High School in Ft. Myers, FL. She received a bachelor's degree from Florida A&M University and a master's degree from Columbia University in New York City. Vancilla enjoyed playing backgammon and entertaining friends and family. At Florida A&M University Vancilla met the love of her life Donald Monroe Williams of Lake City, FL. They married on 27 Jun 1954. Don received a master’s degree from Indiana University after serving in the U.S. Air Force. Don & Van moved to Lakeland, FL where they both were educators for over 40 years in the Polk County School System. Van also was a businesswoman and owned multiple rental properties in Lakeland. Vancilla passed on 6 Mar 2025 at the age of 94 years old and was buried in Lakeland, FL.