Carolyn A. Dennis

Carolyn Anderson Dennis, 78, passed away on December 3, 2024. A remarkable woman, born on February 18, 1946, to Eric and Evelyn Anderson, who precede her in death, Carolyn filled her life and the lives around her with warmth, humor and generosity.

Carolyn is survived by her loving husband, Lenwood Dennis; her devoted daughters, Traci Dennis Oliver (Herb) and Danielle Dennis Grady of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren Britt, Ellis and Evan Oliver and Nicole and Mason Grady; sister, Kaye Wilson (Dickie) and brother, Van Anderson.

Carolyn met Lenwood in 1964 when they were introduced on a blind date; he has been her “boyfriend” ever since. He was a student at NCSU and a fraternity member of Pi Kappa Phi and was “Denny” to his close friends and fraternity brothers. Carolyn and Denny have many wonderful memories of parties and dancing at the fraternity house with the brothers and their now wives who are all true friends to this day. Carolyn was even named “Rose Queen” at a recent fraternity brother reunion!

Carolyn became “Nani” in 1999 with the birth of her first grandchild. Her deep love for her grandchildren, Britt, Ellis, Evan, Nicole and Mason was a beacon for our family and the memories created will be cherished forever.

Carolyn was well-known for her love of cooking and knitting, gifting to everyone around with her handmade blankets and hearty delicious meals. Her kitchen was a magical place, full of children and grandchildren, music, singing and dancing and the aroma of her favorite dishes. These ranged from fried chicken and butter beans to standing prime rib and potatoes and always accompanied by a “short” coke or a glass of white wine. Carolyn was the heart of it all!

As an avid lover of beach music, she filled our homes with joy and rhythm and dancing the original Shag with either Denny or a close by door knob! She enjoyed watching classics such as ‘Gone with the Wind’, ‘Cole Minors Daughter’, and ‘Dirty Dancing’ and usually on a VCR tape! She also enjoyed Andy Griffith most nights while cooking dinner at her usual place in the kitchen.

Carolyn was a loyal supporter of NCSU football; even if she really only went to see what they were serving in the Dail Club! In her spare time, in addition to cooking and knitting herself, she loved to teach knitting and crocheting to her friends and her granddaughters. She loved to create beautiful flowers that decorated her house and the houses of family and friends.

Although she traveled the world to many countries with Denny, her favorite vacation spot was Fort Fisher, NC where she loved to soak in the salt air on the deck while reading a good book. Her kind and caring nature were reflected in her support for causes close to her including the Greensboro Lions Club, St. Jude’s, ASPCA and the Humane Society. Carolyn had such a big soft heart when it came to animals which was obvious if you ever saw her with her faithful Shih Tzu companion, Isabella.

Her legacy, a heart filled with love for her family and friends, and a home filled with Christmas trees and comforting blankets and meals, will forever be cherished. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren, considering them her greatest accomplishments. Her strong personality was a blend of warmth, giving and laughter making her unforgettable to anyone who met her.

A service to celebrate her life will be Monday, December 23 at 1:00pm in the Lineberry Center at Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel, 515 North Elm Street, Greensboro, The family will receive friends prior to the service at 12:00pm until 12:45pm. The family will also receive friends at the Dennis’ house after the committal at Westminster Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Carolyn’s memory to the Greensboro Lions Club, 5503 Ridingate Ct., Greensboro, NC 27408