Nancy Dell Rogers McCann

Nancy Dell Rogers McCann died October 29th at her daughter's home in Durham following a long and brave battle with lung and brain cancer. Her beloved cat Lilibet was always by her side.

Nancy Dell was born March 23, 1930 in Raleigh NC to Lonnie and Nancy Rogers. A few years later her sister June was born, completing the family, and they moved to Charlotte in 1936. Nancy Dell attended Central High School in Charlotte, and graduated from Winthrop College, majoring in music. After graduating, Nancy Dell moved to Dobson, NC where she taught grade school music for 5 years, then 4th and 5th grades - retiring after 34 years.

After she moved to Dobson, while playing bingo Nancy Dell met a handsome gentleman with a twinkle in his eye. In 1954 she married James Guy McCann, who was also an educator. They were devoted to each other throughout 49 years of marriage until his passing in 2003.

Nancy Dell's love of music continued through her life. She served as volunteer organist at Dobson United Methodist Church for 40 years until her illness. In August 2009 she was recognized with a Laity Award by the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Nancy Dell loved art as much as music, and she studied painting for years with Abbe Rose Cox. She enjoyed painting both still life and portraits in oils. She deeply enjoyed the hours shared with her husband as she painted the landscapes of Stony Knoll Vineyards. They both took great pride in the accomplishments of the students they had taught through the years, and appreciated being a part of the community.

Nancy Dell is survived by her daughter Ellen Dagenhart and son-in-law John of Durham; her son Michael McCann of Dobson; her granddaughter Emily McCann who was the delight of her life; her sister June Knox of Wilmington; and several nieces and a nephew. In her last years she found much joy in her friendship with Reva Harris and considered her a dear and merry friend, indeed, another daughter.

A memorial service for Nancy Dell will be held at Dobson United Methodist Church on Sunday, Nov. 1st at 2 pm. There will be visitation after the service at the church.

Those wishing to remember Nancy Dell may honor her with donations to the Dobson Community Library, PO Box 1264, Dobson NC 27017 or to Dobson United Methodist Church, PO Box 497, Dobson NC 27017.

Arrangements are by Moody-Davis Funeral Home in Dobson, with assistance from Clements Funeral Home in Durham.