The Engaged Brains Project is mourning the death of Pammy Lassiter, a bluegrass musician and dementia advocate whose voice, humor, and openness helped shape the community‑based initiative. Lassiter, of West End, died Jan. 20 after a month-long illness. She was 79.
Lassiter and her husband, Roland “Big T” Lassiter, joined the project in 2024 as two of its 60 trained community champions.
“Pammy’s legacy lives on in every volunteer,” said neuropsychologist Karen D. Sullivan. “She showed our entire community what courage, humor, and openness look like after a life-changing diagnosis. The love between Pammy and Big T was deep, musical, tender, and real.”
A fixture in North Carolina’s bluegrass community, Lassiter was known as “the queen of bluegrass.” She helped found the Charlotte Folk Music Society and the High Lonesome Strings Bluegrass Association, now with more than 250 members. She received a special award at the Granite Quarry Fiddlers’ Convention in 2018 and hosted the Resogat resophonic guitar gathering in Wilkesboro for nearly 20 years.
Within The Engaged Brains Project, Lassiter used music and storytelling to help reduce stigma and build connection. Sullivan said her steady, personal advocacy offered volunteers a clearer understanding of the emotional realities of dementia.
Rev. Sue Hudson, a fellow project champion, recalled dancing with Lassiter at a recent community meeting.
“Relationships matter, and we have learned that staying connected to people on this journey makes all the difference,” Hudson said. “Pammy, you have brought joy to so many people, and I know you are listening.”
Feature photo: Engaged Brains Project champion Pammy Lassiter plays the dobro at an event, where she shared her own dementia diagnosis, musical talents, and advocacy with attendees. Contributed by The Engaged Brains Project.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Article by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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