Cynthia, what do you mean "of course there won't be any will"? Of course it is very likely there was a will, those folks were big on that, even if it was just one sentence.
Are you aware of the fact that FamilySearch has the NC Probate Records and NC Estate Records, among other things, online for free? The Probate records, which include wills, administrations, etc., aren't indexed, but one can certainly find if there is a will by checking through the index in the beginning of each will volume. The Estate Records are indexed and linked to the pages, and there certainly are records for the surname VANCE, I even see one for Z. B. Vance with 106 pages, that will sure be fun to look through! The link to the Probate records is here/choose "Browse Images":
https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://www.familysearch.org/searchapi/search/collection/1867501

The Estate Records link is below.

Deloris