Dona Marie Pillow Forehand

Dona Marie Pillow Forehand, 67, returned to her heavenly home on May 20, 2017. Her devotion to her family and a firm belief in the Lord supported her through her health struggles and ultimately gave her peace.

Dona was born to Rev. Charles Douglas and Mrs. Eleanor Smith Pillow, on September 29, 1949. She was immersed in the civic and Christian community. She served for many organizations including YWCA Board of Directors, Lynchburg Historical Foundation Board of Directors, Lynchburg College Alumni Board, President of the Junior League of Lynchburg, Lynchburg Symphony Board of Directors, James River Day School Board of Trustees, Chairman of the 9 Hole Golf Association Boonsboro Country Club, and an active member of Peakland United Methodist Church until her health began to fail, serving on their Administrative Board, teaching Sunday School and singing in the Chancel Choir.

Dona was proud to have been Miss Lynchburg and Miss Virginia 1972 and a graduate of Lynchburg College, earning her degree in education. She taught briefly before marrying Mr. James Butler Forehand, Jr. and starting a family. She was most proud of her son, James Butler Forehand. III and daughter, Sarah Douglas Forehand and she shined as a mother and wife. She adored her grandchildren Brenna Marie Forehand (12) and Nolyn Robert Forehand (9) and relished the time she spent with them.

Dona lit up the room wherever she went. Her exuberance, sense of humor and beauty was immediately recognized to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was dedicated to God and her family. She is dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her creator.

A celebration of life benediction was found among her saved processions and it is a perfect description of how she was loved and will be missed.

Celebrating A Life: We will share and treasure that I carry in my heart. Her memory is safely kept within all the love she spent on me is held in sweet reserve, Every kiss and every touch and every precious grin. I’ll miss the many things she did. Each one will be remembered gratefully. Though I will miss her through the years. I am comforted to know she’s with her Lord, until we meet again and share eternity.

Dona is survived by her, husband Jimmy; her parents Doug and Eleanor; her son James and his wife Kasey; daughter Sarah; step-daughters Linda Forehand and Karen Howard; her grandchildren Brenna and Nolyn; her step-grandchildren, Max, Brandon and Ryan Howard; her brother, Rick Pillow and his wife Amy and her nephew Pastor Patrick Pillow; niece Madeline Pillow.

A celebration of Dona’s life will be held at Peakland United Methodist on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 11am with a reception to follow. Rev. John Vest of Peakland United Methodist Church, Rev. Bill Burleigh of Court Street United Methodist Church and Pastor Patrick Pillow of Chester United Methodist Church will officiate the service. The family gratefully declines flowers and donations, but please hold us in your prayers and thoughts.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.