Nancy Dale Nance (affectionately known as Bigma) was born June 5, 1941 to Almonia
Johnson and Woody Cunningham, who preceded her in death, at Maddie Harris Hospital in
Meridian Mississippi. Bigma was the fifth of five siblings of all who preceded her in death:
Hattie Mae Davis, Herman Johnson, Mary Elizabeth Hill, and Alma Lee Hunter. Her grand-
son, whom she loved dearly, Javari Arrie Hull (known as Tinyman) preceded her in death
July of 2014.
Bigma accepted Christ at an early age, and was currently a member of Greater St. John
bible church under the leadership of Rev. Ira J. Acree, who she referred to as her “TV
Pastor”.
Bigma attended Selan’s System of Beauty Culture, and became a licensed cosmetologist in
August of 1980. Her hard work, dedication, and determination paid off. Leading her to
become the owner of Nancy’s Haircastle. Amongst becoming a cosmetologist, she was a
woman of many hats. She played the piano, she sang, she was a seamstress, an artist, a
cook, comedian, gardener, as well as fashionista. If truth be told, she was a counselor.
Bigma gave you the best advice, straight and to the point. If you didn’t want the truth,
she wasn’t the one to ask.
She loved to shop from the lowest to the highest of stores. She could find a bargain any-
where. However, she never settled for less. Her motto was, “The Sky is the Limit”, and
that’s what she lived by.
In 1973, God sent her a guardian angel, Arrie Lee Riley (known as Papa), who preceded
her in death in December of 2004. What they shared between each other reminded one of
the great prophet, Teddy Pendergrass, who reminded us “It’s so good, loving somebody,
when somebody loves you back.”
On March 5, 2021 at 8:15pm, God decided it was time to call His angel home as He
whispered in her ear: Good and faithful servant.
Bigma leaves to cherish her memories: One daughter, Alma Marie Dancy; two grand-
children, Nanetta Dancy-Matthews and Charles Dancy; one grandson-in-law, Bobby Mat-
thews; her bonus son, Emanuel Tate known as Myyo; three great grands, Jasmine Hull,
Jaelyn Matthews and Jaedyn Matthews; five great grands, Javari Hull Jr, Jamari Diggs,
Javia Diggs and Josiah Diggs and a host of nieces & nephews.
When we hear about a 'Phenomenal Woman' it perfectly describes her.
Rather at home relaxing in a gown or steppin’ out in her fur.
She wasn't afraid of anything when it came down to her children,
for she was courageous and strong.
You better believe she never had a problem in telling you
when you were wrong.
Her hands were magical, everything she touched turned to gold.
She always stood out; she was classy and bold.
The colors are so befitting, gold represents the passion and purple represents
royalty. She had a heart of compassion and believed in the value of loyalty.
Through all her experience, she knew what she knew.
She would often say, “bought sense is the best sense for you.”
(Which meant experience)
It's more that could be said, but here I'll let it be...
To me, my Bigma will forever be that woman...Phenomenally
~Love Poola
Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same.
We have to hide our heartaches when someone speaks your name.
Sad are the hearts that love you, silent the tears that fall.
Living our lives without you is the hardest part of all.
You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true.
And when we needed someone we could always count on you.
The special years will not return when we are all together.
But with the love within our hearts, you will walk with us forever.
~Love Your Family
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Wake: 10:00 a.m. Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
Greater St. John Bible Church
1256 N. Waller Chicago, IL 60651
Rev. Ira J. Acree, Officiating
Jerod, Organist
Musical Prelude - “I Know I’ve Been Changed”
Processional
Family & Minister
Scripture - John 14:1-3
Pastor Gerald Hunter
Prayer
Rev Earl Matthews
Second Missionary Baptist Church
20 Old State Rd., Mattoon, IL 62938
Selection - ”In the Midst of It All”
Rev. Bernard Clark
Acknowledgements and Resolutions
Mekita Matthews
Obituary
Mekita Matthews
Selection- ”When You Hear My Homegoing”
Rev. Bernard Clark
Eulogy
Rev. Ira J. Acree
Benediction
Rev. Ira J. Acree
Recessional
Family & Minister