Nyla Mae Thoreson Donaldson, 85, of Axton, Va. passed away Thursday, August 19, 2021. She was born April 21, 1936 in Flandreu, South Dakota to Neal Thoreson and Amelia Myrtle Pederson Thoreson.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Orlow Buell Donaldon; grandson, David Anthony Finch; brothers, Marlyn Thoreson, Dwayne Thoreson and his wife Dell, Laurel Thoreson, Reverend Roger Thoreson, and Reverend Ronald Thoreson and his wife Marilyn.
Nyla Mae is survived by her daughters, Marion Landers and husband Darrell, Mary Elaine Powell and her husband Chip, Laura Meadows and her husband Clyde; son, Samuel H. Donaldson, Sr. and his wife Nancy; grandchildren, Luke Powell, Lara Ann Jackson, Erin Lucinda Finch, Daniel Alan Donaldson, Joshua Aaron Donaldson, Madeline Elaine Powell, Clyde Wilson Meadows, III, Sasha Marie Donaldson, Samuel Hagan Donaldson, Jr. and Alexander David Powell; nine great grandchildren; sister, Arlys Johnson and her husband Denny; brothers, David Thoreson and his wife Kathy and Gary Thoreson and his wife Lucy; sisters-in-law Betty, Beverly and Anne Thoreson and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Nyla Mae was an artist, actress, radio DJ and a drug and alcohol counselor. She loved painting, working in her garden and making trips to the beach.
As a second generation Norwegian, Nyla had the heart of a Viking. She was tough and kind, stern and compassionate. Nyla taught her children to love everyone.
The family will receive friends at the home of Mary Powell. A graveside interment will be held at National Cemetery in Milledgeville, Georgia at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Donor Care Center, PO Box 758540, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8540.
Arrangements are by McKee-Stone Funeral Home-Martinsville, VA.
To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com
