Lilla Charlene Dancy

Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to our beloved momma, Lilla Charlene Dancy (née Swaim), affectionately known as Charley to those who knew and loved her best. She was more than a mother, grandmother, and friend - she was a force of nature, a safe place, a giver of love in its purest form.
If you knew Momma, you knew warmth. You knew laughter. You knew what it felt like to be truly cared for. You knew the comfort of a home-cooked meal, the security of her steady presence, and the way she could turn an ordinary moment into something special. She never stood still, and her love was never quiet. Whether she was in the kitchen making sure no one left hungry, checking in on friends and family, or finding a way to help someone who needed it, she gave without hesitation and loved without limits. Her thoughtfulness knew no bounds, and her heart had room for everyone.
Charlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband of fifty years, Tony Dancy, and her mother, Lillian Swaim. We can only imagine her grand entrance into heaven-welcomed with open arms, joyous laughter, and the love of those who have been waiting for her. Ever the nurturer, she is surely fussing over them already, making sure they know how much she loves them, just as she always did. And she is now at peace, joining the heavenly choir in song, where she can raise her voice in praise once again. Even though she is no longer by our side, we find comfort in knowing that she is still with us, watching over us with that same boundless love-just as she always will.
She leaves behind the greatest legacy of all-a family who adores her and carries her love forward. Her children: Myra Doyle and her partner Lucy Dunn of Mocksville, NC; John Dancy of Mocksville, NC; and Sheila Dancy and her husband Paul Huffman of Beulaville, NC. Her six grandchildren, who were the light of her life: Joshua Doyle and his wife Pamela of Reidsville, NC; Jacob Doyle and his wife Maria of Statesville, NC; Shelby Jenice Dancy of LaGrange, NC; Keith (K.J.) Peaks of Richlands, NC, and Jordan Lawson of LaGrange, NC; Avery Dancy of Mocksville, NC; Woodrow Huffman of Beulaville, NC; Brianna Browning and her husband Ryan of Eden, NC.
Her love stretched across generations, reaching her nine great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy: Lillian Ada and Michael Thomas Doyle of Statesville, NC; Mia Evianna and Lilla Marie Peaks of Richlands, NC; Sonora Rose Dancy and Autumn Hazel Lawson of LaGrange, NC; and Ryalyn, Naomi, and Aubree Browning of Eden, NC.
Beyond her family, Charlene also leaves behind dear friends who became family in every sense of the word: Bill Couch, Don Weimer, Tommy and Julia Dean Smith, Kenny Jarman, Richard and Shirley Crowder, Lisa Morton, Keith and Saundra Peaks, and Dr. Rus Dashtaki. Their lives, like ours, are forever touched by the love, kindness, and joy she shared so freely.
But a woman like Momma never truly leaves. She lives on in every meal made with love, in every hug given just a little longer, in every shared laugh that makes your sides hurt. She lives on in the lessons she taught us: Love deeply. Give generously. Never let anyone leave your house hungry.
Memorial services will be held in Richlands, NC, and Roaring River, NC. She will be laid to rest at Mountlawn Cemetery in Fairplains, NC.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Momma's memory in a way she would have loved: cook a meal for a loved one, share laughter with family, or simply extend kindness to someone who needs it-just as she did every single day of her life.
Mom, you were our home, our joy, and our guiding light. The world is quieter without you, but we will carry your love forward in everything we do. You are no longer here in body, but you will always, always be with us.
Johnson Funeral Home of Richlands is honored to serve Lilla's family during this time. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lilla, please visit our floral store.