Big Stone Gap, VA - Myrtle Donelson Pippin, 100, passed away on Thursday, October 22 at the Laurels Retirement & Assisted Living in Norton, VA. Myrtle was born in East Stone Gap VA to the late Jerry and Hazel Clasby Donelson. She was a proud graduate of East Stone Gap high school and attended every class reunion possible up until her 80th class reunion at the age of 98. Myrtle was the oldest living member of East Stone Gap Methodist Church where she had attended since childhood. She worked for several years for Westmorland Coal Company in the Safety Department, DMME and Bureau of Mines in Norton, VA before retirement. Myrtle enjoyed bowling, square dancing, camping, traveling, spending time at the beach and most of all spending quality time with her grandchildren. Myrtle and her husband belonged to a camping square dance club where they would travel to different campgrounds around the southern states and square dance as entertainment for the campgrounds.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Robert (Shorty) Pippin; one brother, Jack Donelson, and sisters, Anna Fraley and Mary Lou Donelson.
Surviving is her son, Robert (Bobby) Pippin, Jr. (Debbie); granddaughter, Tracy Fannon (Keith) of Kingsport, TN, and grandson, Travis Pippin (Adrianna) of Tega Cay, SC; and great granddaughters, Rachel and Abby Fannon.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 1:00pm-3:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral will begin at 3:00pm with Pastor Michael Williams officiating.
The graveside service will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 11:00am in American Legion Cemetery, 5015 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA. Those attending are asked to assemble at Gilliam Funeral Home by 10:30am to travel in procession to the cemetery. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the East Stone Gap Tigers Scholarship Fund. Mountain Empire Community College Foundation, Att. Amy Greear, 3441 Mountain Empire Rd, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Myrtle Pippin.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.