Charlotte Ann Dancing Eyes (Hughes) Gaines, 86
Charlotte was born at home on May 20, 1937, in Cheswold to the late John and Esther (Carter) Hughes. On Sunday, February 18, 2024, Charlotte walked on to be with the Lord, passing at her home in Cheswold.
She attended Cheswold schools for Native Americans, and graduated from William Henry High School in 1955. Then, she met the love of her life, and told all the girls, "Keep your hands off! He's mine!" John and Charlotte were married at home July 5, 1956 by Rev. Roland "Tip" Coker.
She was a homemaker, residential housekeeper, and worked at Van Holten's Pickle Factory in Kenton. Throughout the years, she was also a childhood educator, providing for children in her care at her home.
Charlotte loved singing hymns and watching wrestling with her husband, "The Young and the Restless," "Meet the Browns," and HGTV. Country music and oldies but goodies were her favorites. She saw Tammy Wynette and George Jones (two of her favorites) at the Harrington Fair and was ecstatic. Charlotte also enjoyed arts & crafts, camping & fishing, genealogy, her pets, attending pow wows, and sewing regalia for her children, grandchildren, and others.
She was a member of Little Union Church, where she attended Sunday school. Then she became a member of Immanuel Union (Manship) when the two churches combined. Her love for the Lord led her to teach Sunday School and to continually donate to St. Jude. In addition, she was a member of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape of NJ.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents, John and Esther Hughes; granddaughters, Danielle and Arya; and six siblings.
She is survived by daughters, Angela (Michael) and Bonita; sons, Thomas and Vincent Gaines; grandchildren Vincent Jr. (Tiffany), Paige, Jaclyn, and Deborah McNatt; Alexis Lamma; brother Zahn Hughes; special cousin Patricia Tennison, and special nieces Diane Hughes and Tammy Reynolds.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Immanuel Union, Cheswold, Friday, March 8, 11 am-12 noon. A private service will be held at 12 noon for the family with interment in the adjoining cemetery. Arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapel. Native regalia is optional.