Betty Townsend Dancy Cole

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Betty Townsend Dancy Cole, age 84, of Vilas, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at her home. She was born on January 17, 1941, in Watauga County, North Carolina, to the late Henry Clay and Pearl Greer Pennell. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her first husband, Bynum Townsend Jr., second husband, Frank Dancy, one brother, George Pennell, one sister, Blanch Trivette, step-son, Frank Dancy Jr., grandchildren, Joe Craig and Paul Kitzi.

Betty was known for her warm smile, boundless kindness, and gift for conversation—she never met a stranger. Her wonderful sense of humor and big heart made her a friend to everyone she met and a loving advocate for both people and animals alike.

She took great pride in her garden and flowers. Her yard was always full of vibrant blooms, and she was known for her “secret” to growing such beautiful flowers—banana water. Betty also enjoyed canning and preserving the fruits of her labor, a skill she mastered and passed on to others with joy.

A woman of strong faith, Betty was a devoted member of Henson Chapel United Methodist Church, where she found great joy in worship and fellowship. Her faith guided her throughout her life, providing comfort and strength.

Betty will be remembered for her generous spirit, loving nature, and the way she brought joy to others simply by being herself.

Mrs. Cole is survived by her husband, Franklin Cole, her children, Charlie Townsend of Fleetwood, NC, Glenda Townsend of Zionville, NC, Mike Townsend of Zionville, NC, and Anita Townsend (Tony Combs) of Sebring, FL, two brothers, Larry Pennell (Janine) of Canyon Lake, CA and Gene Pennell of Zionville, NC, two sisters, Geneva Stinson of Mountain City, TN and Judy Blake (Jack) of Sunset Beach, NC, step-children, Ben Dancy (Shelby) of Fellsmere, FL, Virginia Dancy Gomez of Grand Island, NE, Kenny Cole (Leah) of Vilas, NC, Teresa Hoyle and Patricia Cole (Kenneth) both of Lenoir, NC. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Kristie Kolseth (Micah) of Winston Salem, NC, Ashley Dumont (Tim) of DeFuniak Springs, FL, Tyler Cox (Jillian) of Orlando, FL and Kaitlyn Cox of Sebastian, FL, seven step-grandchildren, Ben Dancy Jr. (Shawn), Garrett Dancy, Stephen Kitzi, Christopher Gomez (Amy), Tristin Hodges (Ginny), Kelly Hodges (Mackenzie) and Orion Hodges (Skye). Also surviving are several great-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 3:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Pastor Ken Anderson. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Henson Chapel Methodist Church Food Bank; 120 Henson Hollar Rd. Vilas, NC 28692.