Charlotte Lee Lucy

Charlotte Lee Lucy, 89, passed away on Sept. 6, 2026, in Charlottesville, Virginia. A true original, Charlotte held on to her feisty spirit, unwavering opinions, and love of culture to the end. Born in Portersville, Alabama, on Nov. 8, 1936, Charlotte earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in education from the University of Maryland and Virginia State University. She taught special education in Duval County, Florida, and in Nottoway County, Prince William County and other Virginia localities. She was deeply committed to many causes – most of them in support of improving the lives of those who needed help most. Charlotte loved gardening, music and art. Her home in Blackstone, Va., was painted shades of pink, reflecting what she found to be a combination on original Victorian style homes. Eternally curious, Charlotte’s greatest personal joy was reading and learning new things. At one time she was consuming an entire book or novel in one day, day after day, until her eyesight prevented so much reading. Charlotte relished volunteering with her friends in Blackstone’s Book Ends organization. More recently, dementia robbed her of memories and some of the things she loved most. Her time as a teacher was one of the very last strands of memory that stuck with her. Cognitive challenges didn’t take her ability to return a smile, or appreciate a beautiful plant, or hum along with a song. Charlotte was preceded in death by her mother and father, Marie G. Lucy and Charles R. Lucy, of Blackstone, and her sister, Carolyn L. Reiss. She is survived by four sons: Kevin McCance of South Hill, Va.; Rob McCance of Cumming, Georgia; McGregor McCance of Charlottesville; and Christopher Yow of Dallas, Texas; one daughter, Heather McGhee of Pecos, Texas; nephew Robert Reiss of Nassau, the Bahamas, and Hugh Reiss Jr. of Mauritius; and many grandchildren and great-grandchilden across the country. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the charitable organization of your choice.