Ianthia Dancy

On May 08, 2020, the Lord sent His Angels to Parker at Somerset Nursing Home to call His daughter, Pastor Ianthia Ryals Dancy home to take her eternal rest. Bell, as she is affectionately called by her family, was born, a twin, in Nash County, NC, on August 07, 1930 to the late Hettie Thompson Ryals and Rev. Neil Henry Ryals. She attended school in Wilson, NC. The daughter of a reverend, Bell professed her love to Christ at an early age and religiously attended Morning Star Pentecostal Church in Fremont, NC. Early in life, she met and married the late William “Pumpkin” Dancy of Pikeville, NC. To this union, four children were born including their sons, William James “June” Dancy, Jr. and Jimmy Delingham Dancy, who preceded Bell in departing this world.

Bell worked at JP Taylor Factory before beginning a career as a Food Service Specialist for Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro, NC. Around 1982, Bell was called by the Lord to preach, and preach she did! Bell worked while it was yet day pastoring to a small congregation at her church which she had built, attached to her residence, in Goldsboro, NC. After moving to NJ in 2008, under the loving care of her daughter, Arsynthia Kaye Dancy Edens and son-in-law Stephen Edens, she continued as a faithful servant praising the Lord at North Stelton AME Church, and later, as a much loved resident of Parker, through a variety of services led by their Chapel and staff.

Bell carried her Bible in hand everywhere she went and continuously had a scripture and hymn for almost everything. One of Bell’s main delights was to tend to the needs of her family and study the Bible. She loved to sing and dance and was the life of any room she stepped foot in. She prided herself in owning several properties and enjoyed home decorating. There was hardly a quiet moment in Bell’s life as she often hummed, clapped, and tapped her feet to countless hymns, among which “He Touched Me” and “Amazing Grace” were her favorites. Her favorite sayings were “Thank You Lord,” and “I’m gonna’ make!” Bell also had a love of dogs and cats, and enjoyed cuddles and the ever listening furry ear of her pup Skyler.

She leaves to cherish her memories, daughters, Arsynthia K. Edens and her husband, Stephen Edens, Piscataway, NJ and Hettie Y. Richardson Plainfield, NJ. With much love and fond thoughts, she leaves her grandchildren, S. Stavious Edens Parlin, NJ; Seneca J. Edens, Norfolk, VA; Brandon D. Edens, Deerfield Beach, FL; Sadé A. Edens, Piscataway, NJ; Eric F. Richardson, Ft. Worth, TX; Enjolica Y. Richardson, Plainfield, NJ; Demarcus J. Gordon, Plainfield, NJ; and Shanell Maye, William Maye, and Di’-Aisha Jackson of Goldsboro, NC.  Nine siblings preceded Bell to heaven, Jessie Ryals, Rev. Marvin Ryals, Bishop Isaac Ryals (twin), Lorenzo Ryals, Walter Ryals, Jake Ryals, Dazerine McCoy, Rev. Doretha Brown Williams, and Rev. Rosie Ellis. We are thankful for her dear remaining sister, Lettie Hamilton, Brooklyn, NY; 19 great-grandchildren and a host of well-loved nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Lastly preceded her is her beloved grandson Edward Richardson, Jr and friend Alex “Buddy” Moore.

Also cherished is our Parker at Somerset family, who knew her best as “Baby doll.”

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