Dean Cornwell Lancaster

“Nanny Dean”

Dean Cornwell Lancaster, beloved mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Care Partners Hospice in Asheville, NC. She was born on May 23, 1929, in Henderson County. She was the daughter of the late Fonzo Roosevelt Cornwell and Janie Elizabeth Cornwell McGraw.

Dean was preceded in death by her loving husband of more than sixty years, George Howard Lancaster. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Charles Cornwell; and sisters, Doris Ledbetter and Frances Nix Watkins.

She lovingly raised three children, Kaye L. Lamb (Arthur), of Weaverville, NC, Gail L. Morgan (Ronnie), of Westminster, SC, and Mickey Lancaster (Fran), of Zepher Springs, FL. She loved her five grandchildren beyond measure – Kenny Elliott (Carla), Lori Dobbins (Josh), Leslie McCreary (Larry), Megan Lancaster, Morgan Denton (Logan).

Her biggest smiles always came when any of her eight great-grandchildren entered the room. They include – Lauren Elliott, Brooke Elliott, Riley Young, Caleb Young, Tyson Patton, Mattie Grace McCreary, Liam McCreary, and Hadley Dean Denton. She also had an honorary granddaughter who cared for her in her final years and whom she loved dearly, Holly Peek.

Dean previously worked at the Community Store in Enka, NC, that was part of the American Enka complex. She later worked in the American Enka Corporate Building in the Billing Department. She and George loved to golf and were members of Hi-Vista Country Club where they often played with close friends. Dean also loved to bowl and was a member of a bowling league at Sky Lanes Bowling for many years.

Dean was an awesome cook and she and George reveled in preparing Sunday dinner for the entire family each week. Many happy times are recalled of those Sunday get-togethers that include food, games, family fun, and laughter.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue in Asheville, NC. Services led by Rev. Dennis Thurman will follow in the Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Pisgah View Memorial Park, 1529 Smokey Park Highway, Candler, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jupiter Volunteer Fire Department at 331 Jupiter Road, Weaverville, NC. 28787.