Dorothy N. Days

Dorothy Nell (McGill) Days, 97, of Charlotte, North Carolina, peacefully entered eternal rest surrounded by her loving family on April 10, 2026.

Dorothy Nell was born on March 3, 1929, in the small post office town of Benton—presently known as Tyler—in Lowndes County, Alabama. She was the eldest of two children born to the late Elzie L. McGill and Lilly Mae Johnson McGill. She grew up attending Mt. Gillard Baptist Church in Trickem, Alabama, where she faithfully attended Sunday School and church services until the age of 13, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and service.

Educated and ambitious, Dorothy Nell completed 12 years of schooling and attended Alabama State for two years of higher education. She later enrolled at Nell’s Beauty Academy, owned by her aunt and surrogate mother, Inell Johnson, where she discovered her passion for cosmetology.

In 1948, Dorothy Nell met the love of her life, U.S. Army enlisted soldier L.D. Days, Jr. Before his military deployment to Germany, the two were united in marriage, forming a loving bond that would endure for a lifetime. In 1949, as a devoted wife and mother, she began building their family and lovingly raised five children.

In 1950, while embracing her role as a mother, Dorothy Nell also began establishing her place in the world beyond the home. Cosmetology became both a calling and a way to help support her family. In 1956, her husband accepted an employment opportunity that relocated the family to Syracuse, New York. There, Dorothy Nell fully embraced her career as a hairdresser. She attended Syracuse Beauty School and graduated in 1957 at the top of her class with honors—a testament to her talent, discipline, and determination. She spent the next decade mastering her craft and preparing for business ownership.

In 1967, Dorothy Nell and her family relocated to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There, she found a new spiritual home at Bethel AME Church, where she faithfully served as a member of the Chancel Choir and the Women’s Missionary Society. Her deep faith and commitment to service became hallmarks of her life. Within three years of moving to Lancaster, Dorothy Nell became the licensed owner and operator of Dorothy Days Beauty Salon.

After more than 30 years in the cosmetology industry, Dorothy Nell and her beloved L.D. retired to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2001. They joined Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church, where Dorothy Nell became an active member of the Women’s Missionary Society, Christian Education Department, and the Greenville Memorial Kitchen Committee. In 2007, she and her beloved companion were honored with the Servant Leadership Award in recognition of their diligence, leadership, and inspirational support of their church family.

Dorothy Nell loved life, people, and her signature hats. As a devoted servant of the Lord, she gave of herself selflessly by volunteering for Christmas and Back-to-School drives that supported the Greenville church family and surrounding community. Her generosity, warmth, and kindness touched countless lives.

Dorothy Nell was the last living member of her generation and the final surviving aunt of the next generation in both Alabama and New York. To her husband’s family, she was affectionately known as “Aunt Dot,” a name spoken with deep love and respect. Family members called her often and made special trips throughout the year just to visit—never needing an invitation—stopping by in Charlotte to check in and say hello. Through her grace and love, Dorothy Nell helped unite the families of Dorothy and L.D. from New York to Charlotte.

Cherishing her memory are her children: Beverly E. Woods (the late William A. Woods), Dartan E. Days, Donna N. Sheffield (Henry J.), Brenda M. Days, and Sonya L. Caldwell (Ronald); 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, L.D. Days, Jr.; her daughter, Donna N. Sheffield; grandson Derrick E. Hawkins; grandson Delbert Q. Woods; and great-grandson Jalen “Tweet” Worthy and loved ones who welcomed her into eternal rest.

The family of Dorothy Nell (McGill) Days celebrates a life well lived—a life rooted in faith, devotion, service, elegance, and enduring love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church 6116 Montieth Drive Charlotte, NC 28213

Via:https://www.givelify.com/donate/NzE2Mg==/selection Please specify: “In Memory of Dorothy N. Days.”