Mildred Marie Evans Donnelly, 84, passed away on February 10, 2023.  Born on February 6, 1939, she was the first child of Thomas Evans & Iva Knox Evans. A three-time breast cancer survivor, she was the epitome of a strong, sassy Southern lady! She was a proud original Homesteader, a supporter of the Cumberland Mountain State Park and dozens of charities, and a partner in Boats & Harbors. Over the last few years, she discovered a talent for painting and enjoyed all of the activities at Dominion Senior Living.

She is survived by her special family Kathy, Kassie, Sydney, and Edward Dooley-Smith; nephews Greg Donnelly and Tony Donnelly; Ronnie & Mickey Nail;  Karen & Frank O’Hara; Lynsey & Tyler Gass; brother Lonnie Evans; T.J. & Samantha Evans; and nieces Valerie Deason and Natalie Eischied. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years John H. Donnelly; parents, Thomas and Iva Evans; Verna Knox Nail, who Mildred considered her sister; and her brother Tom Evans.

Funeral services will be held at Bilbrey Funeral Home on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 4:00 PM with Danny Smith from Crab Orchard Christian Church officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM prior to the service. A graveside service will be held at a later date at Pomona Cemetery. Bilbrey Funeral Home, Inc. (www.bilbreyfh.com) is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to Susan G. Komen or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.