Daneyse Cassell Obituary

Daneyse Allcorn Cassell ("Dancy")

July 27, 1944 – February 20, 2026

Daneyse Allcorn Cassell, known to family and friends as "Dancy," passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, in Charleston, South Carolina. She was 81.

In her later years, Dancy made her home on Spring Island in Okatie, South Carolina, where the preserved beauty of land and water nourished her lifelong love of the natural world. There she became a Master Naturalist and avid photographer, spending hours outdoors observing birds and wildlife. Walks with her were rarely simple strolls; they were lively explorations marked by skyward gestures, careful observation, and shared wonder. Nowhere was her joy more evident than in her role as "G'mom," the name affectionately given to her by her three beloved grandsons - Holden Carson, Kent Carson, and Hugh Murphy Cassell. Being their grandmother was the role she cherished most.

Dancy married her husband and lifelong partner, Michael M. Cassell, on December 29, 1965 after the two met while she was at Hollins College and he at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Shortly before Dancy's passing, she and Michael celebrated their sixtieth "diamond" wedding anniversary surrounded by family in Jamaica, delighting in the sea, shoreline, and seabirds Dancy loved. Soon after, Dancy fulfilled a long-held dream in taking a month-long safari with her cousins through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, exploring landscapes and wildlife she had always hoped to see.

Prior to her retirement, Dancy enjoyed a nearly 30-year career in real estate, predominantly with David Ogilvy & Associates in Greenwich, Connecticut. Known for her initiative, tenacity, integrity, and attention to detail, she was a consistent recipient of Top Producer awards and earned the respect of colleagues and the trust of clients in the highly competitive Greenwich market. She brought to her profession diligence and sincerity.

Dancy was deeply engaged in the Greenwich community, serving as a Junior League Sustainer, a board member of the Greenwich Exchange for Women's Work, and a docent and board member of the Bruce Museum. She also held leadership roles in her children's schools, including serving as Co-President of the North Street School PTA.

Earlier in her life, when Mike's business took them to Wilmington, Delaware in the mid-80's, Dancy worked for Christ Church Christiana Hundred, and Trinity Parish, as Director of Christian Education. She also worked for the Episcopal Bishop of Delaware, doing Christian Education and Conflict Resolution for parish priests and vestries.

Her work with the Episcopal Church grounded her family in the traditions of her faith.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Dancy attended the Westminster Schools and made her debut at the Piedmont Driving Club. She was the daughter of two World War II Navy veterans, both interred at Arlington National Cemetery. She grew up around boats and along the water and was an avid sailor in her youth, teaching sailing at summer camp. Her love of wind, water, and open sky served as a defining thread throughout her life.

In all her relationships, Dancy comported herself with traditional Southern grace and manners, warmth, humor, a playful spark, and always with a kind smile. She appreciated classical refinement but delighted equally in simple pleasures - including a proud youthful tradition of Sunday evening chili-dog dinners from The Varsity in Atlanta. Her Episcopal faith guided her life and found expression in quiet, daily acts of hospitality: cooking something special, sending flowers, picking up the phone, or writing a thoughtful note simply to brighten someone's day.

Dancy is survived by her husband of sixty years, Michael M. Cassell; her son, Michael M. Cassell Jr., and his wife, Ha Cassell, of Atlanta, Georgia; her daughter, Ashley Cassell Carson, of Atlanta, Georgia; her grandsons, Holden Carson, Kent Carson, and Hugh Murphy Cassell; and her brother, Frank W. Allcorn IV. She was preceded in death by her parents.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of her devotion to the Spring Island Trust, the family requests contributions in her name at the following link:

https://www.springislandtrust.org/sit19/about-us/how-to-give

A memorial service and celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Click this link to view additional details about Daneyse's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/daneyse-cassell-2026