Donna Kay Matthews Lloyd

Donna Kay Matthews Lloyd died peacefully in her sleep in Charlotte, NC on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.  The youngest child of Lanier Harmon (“Len”) and Eunice Dell Whitehurst Matthews, she was born in her family home in Parmele, NC on September 2, 1942. 

She graduated from Robersonville High School in 1960 where she was a member of the marching band playing the baritone and the girls’ basketball team where she was the rover and earned the nickname of “mongoose”.  She also played classical piano.

She graduated from East Carolina University where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and met her husband Wayne of 55 years.  While there she represented the Kappa Alpha Order as KA Rose and as a member of the Queen’s Court for the Azalea Festival in Wilmington, NC in 1964. 

After graduating, she and Wayne moved to Fairfax, VA to embark on a career in education that would span four decades and many more roles than just an educator.  In 1966, they relocated to South Boston, VA (Wayne’s hometown) when he was asked to assume teaching and coaching roles for his former high school.  In addition to teaching several grades and classes, Donna directed various plays/musicals, coached cheerleading, organized countless functions, raised money for a multitude of great causes and contributed to the educational community on many levels endearing herself to all.

Outside of school, Donna could often be found on the tennis courts with her friends where she was regarded as a stubborn and accomplished competitor. She passed on her love of the game to many, including her daughter and granddaughters. 

As important as her impact on the youth of Halifax County, VA was, her more enduring legacy was her role as beloved friend and family member.  Donna set the gold standard for what friendship and commitment mean – her smile, grace, compassion and loving nature touched all of those who were blessed to come to know her. 

For more than 50 years, Donna was a member of The First Baptist Church of South Boston, VA where she enjoyed worship, community and served in numerous leadership roles.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband Wayne and her parents and siblings.  She is survived by their daughter Mary Susan Lloyd Griesser and granddaughters Elizabeth Lanier Griesser and Katherine Lloyd Griesser of Charlotte, NC; his sisters Janet Adams (husband Wayne) of South Boston, VA and Joyce Atkinson (husband Donnie) of Jacksonville, FL; and her sister-in-law Shirley Matthews of Tarboro, NC as well as many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery in South Boston, VA on November 6, 2021 at 2:00 pm where Donna and Wayne will be interned together. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org) or to The First Baptist Church of South Boston, VA (815 N. Main Street, South Boston, VA 24592; 434-572-3971).

Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.org.

Arrangements are in the care of Ken Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606 and Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA 24592; (434) 572-4911.