Patsy Massie Lance
September 11, 1941 ~ May 22, 2026
Born in:
Candler, North Carolina
Resided in:
Candler, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailPatsy Massie Lance, 84, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on September 11, 1941, Patsy was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and spent her life deeply rooted in the community she loved.
Patsy was the daughter of the late Talmadge Alvin “T.A.” Massie and Lillian Massie. She was also preceded in death by her husband of over 30 years, James “Whitey” Lance; her sister, Peggy Massie Parris; brother-in-law, Junior Parris; nephew, Tony Farmer; and her son, Keith Lance.
Patsy dedicated many years to working with children as a teacher assistant. She began her career at Candler Elementary School and later retired from Hominy Valley Elementary School. She loved helping children and touched many lives through her kindness and caring spirit.
Outside of her work, Patsy had a lifelong love for clogging and enjoyed being involved in activities with family and friends. One of her greatest joys was supporting her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in sports and other activities. Whether sitting in the stands, cheering from the sidelines, or simply being present, she rarely missed an opportunity to support those she loved.
Family was the center of Patsy’s life. She loved deeply and was happiest when surrounded by those closest to her. Her love, encouragement, and unwavering support created memories that her family will carry with them for years to come.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, April Lance Brown; brother, David Massie; sister, Joyce Farmer; nephew, Jeff Parris; niece, Robin Canipe; grandchildren, Jake Lance, Brandy Lance, and Garrett Lance; and great-grandchildren, Adrienne Lance, Memphis Lance, and Lennon Covil, along with many extended family members, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.
In lieu of flowers, Patsy requested that a rose be planted in her memory as a lasting tribute to her life and the love she shared with others.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Browns View Church. The family will receive friends on Friday from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.
Services
Visitation: May 29, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Browns View Church
25 Brown's View Church Road
Candler, NC 28715
(828)665-0360
Memorial Service: May 29, 2026 3:00 pm
Browns View Church
25 Brown's View Church Road
Candler, NC 28715
(828)665-0360
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All my love to April and the whole family. I have lots of happy and fun memories of being in the Massie Family !!! Rest in Peace my dear sweet cousin .
April, David, Joyce & family,
Patsy was one of my favorite of my dad’s cousins. She & David were my soul mates of Clogging…I always loved being in a room with them, Aunt Lillian & Joyce! They could light up a room and put smiles on everyone’s faces. Love and hugs to you all, and know she will be missed.
Sheila
Dear April, just loved being around your Mama. She was so funny and full of life. I will always remember that laugh. What a wonderful cousin she was to my daddy and our family. Hope knowing that she is with the Lord now and well will give you peace. Praying for all of you. Love you.
April she was a great lady and Good friend well be praying for you and the family
Your mom was so special to our family. She and her siblings have been like a brother to Dad, and we will always remember her smile and laughter she shared with so many. Praying for you all.
Love your cousin,
Sharon
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I enjoyed dancing with Patsy on Green Valley Cloggers! Patsy encouraged me to kick up my heels! We all enjoyed watching Patsy flipping up her skit to show her bloomers! She will be missed by all! 🌹
Joyce was everything I want to be. She was a very good friend, fun, loving, honest, loved the outdoors and flowers, loved animals and her family, got excited to clog everytime she had the opportunity, and she lived her Heavenly Father. She is going to be missed but I know she is in a much more beautiful place than here on earth. She’s clogging and flipping skirt tails as she moves down that “open highway” paved with gold. RIP my friend.
Was so sorry to learn of Patsy’s passing. She was a joy to know while living close to us.
April, Joyce and David plus all of Patsy’s grandchildren, I am praying that God’s Grace and peace be upon you in the coming days. She will be missed greatly.