Dona Mae Yelvington Duval

Dona Mae Yelvington Duval, 84, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on, Saturday, January 28, 2023.

Dona was born in Daytona Beach, Florida to Jesse and Leah Yelvington. She was a graduate of Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida. Always proud to be a “Floridian” Dona also lived parts of her life in New York, Rhode Island, and Maine before settling in central Virginia.

Dona is survived by her husband, Gerald Duval of Lynchburg, Virginia and two sons, Dan O’Neil and his wife Laura of Forest, Virginia and Charlie O’Neil and his wife Rebecca of Newport, Rhode Island, as well as a stepdaughter Deborah Duval of Joshua, Texas.

Dona was blessed with four grandchildren. Katie O’Neil of Bozeman MT, Meghan O’Neil of Forest, VA, Scout O’Neil of Boston, MA and Finn O’Neil of Newport, RI.

Dona was a loving and dedicated friend and mother, and lived a rich, full, and vibrant life. Those who knew her would say she had a quick wit, a beautiful smile, and an infectious laugh.

She was known to spend time cross-country skiing in Maine, parasailing in Mexico and tubing in the Atlantic Ocean. She loved being with family and friends, making crafts and sewing.

Dona worked for many years at The Carroll Reed Company as a Senior Buyer of women’s clothing and shoes. She loved traveling to visit her stores all over the country.

Dona was a member of Peakland Baptist Church and worked for many years at the Nelson County Tourism Office helping visitors enjoy their time in Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, Dona’s family asks for your support of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.