Liudmila Nikolaevna Dragneva

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our sweet Liudmila “Lucy” “Lusya” Nikolaevna Dragneva, daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma and Baba, 63, who left her earthly body for heaven on October 6, 2025.

Born in Novoe Ahperdino, Russia, in a small farm village, she grew up with her 4 siblings.

After finishing primary school, she attended college in Moscow, where she met the love of her life, Mitko, at a restaurant while he was working in Russia for the summer. Shortly after they were married, and moved back to Mitko’s home country of Bulgaria. Within a matter of years, they had two sons, Milen and Nikolai, and Lucy had fully immersed herself in Bulgarian culture, learning to make all of the traditional foods and following the Bulgarian traditions. She had also established a career as a Kindergarten teacher and her hard work and dedication was recognized by her multiple teacher of the year awards.

In 2003, Mitko and Lucy were given a chance to make a new start in the United States. They decided to take the opportunity, wanting to provide their two sons with the best education and overall better life. They made the journey to the US with just two suitcases and little money. Over time they had both learned English and had successful jobs, and eventually both of their sons graduated with college degrees. Lucy was so happy to sacrifice her own wellbeing and comfort, to give her children a life that was much easier than hers.

Lucy enjoyed knitting, singing and playing the garmoshka (Russian accordion), cooking and baking all of the traditional Russian and Bulgarian foods for her friends to enjoy. She spoke four languages fluently - Chuvashian, Russian, Bulgarian, English. She loved to travel, have tea, watch Russian movies, and be around all of her friends. By far, her favorite thing was to spend time and take care of her two young grandchildren, Vera and Maksim. Lucy’s dream was to see her grandkids grow up, start school, and watch them become beautiful people. She wanted to pass all of the customs and traditions to them, as they were passed to her.

Lucy is described by her friends and acquaintances as incredible, bold, loving, generous and full of spirit, she was the kindest person you could know. She spent much time caring for her family and friends, and there was not a person she would not stop to help if needed. What a great loss to no longer have her here beside of us, but we know that she is watching us from above.

Lucy is survived by her husband, Mitko Dragnev; two sons, Milen Dragnev and his wife, Ashleigh Shambley Dragnev, and Nikolai Dragnev; two grandchildren, Vera Dragnev and Maksim Dragnev, all of Greensboro; and a sister, Irina Myakina, of Russia.

There will be a visitation from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM on Thursday October 16, 2025, at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Service-Greensboro. The burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery at 2:00 PM.