Big Stone Gap, VA -Sallyann Dunton (Haynes) passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at home.
Sally was born in Gardner, Massachusetts on April 7th, 1945 to Eino and Sylvia Haynes. She attended Oakmont High School in Westminster, Massachusetts. She was employed at Naukeag Hospital for many years, and worked as medical transcriptionist in later life. She was a congregant of Christ Episcopal Church in Big Stone Gap, VA, as well as the current vice president of her local chapter of AARP, a volunteer and member of the Auxiliary at Lonesome Pine Hospital, a member of the Kingsport Senior Center, a volunteer and member of Friends of the Museum, a board member of Appalachian Cultural Arts Center, and a member and longtime supporter of Pro Art.
Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Eino and Sylvia Haynes; her brother, William Heikkila; her brother-in-law, Don Poole; and her beloved son, Edwin Cowan Dunton III.
She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Theresa Dunton DC; her granddaughter, Mollie McGonagill and son-in-law, Brent Sloan, her granddaughter, Maeve McGonagill and partner, Austin Falin, her granddaughter, Millie McGonagill and partner, Michael Rothgaber, her grandson, Liam McGonagill and partner, Abi Charlebois; her sister, Nancy Poole-Beaudoin and brother-in-law Richard Beaudoin; her niece, Jennifer Freo and her niece’s sons, Kalen and Seth Flanders; her nephew, Nathan Poole; and her constant feline companion, Little Buddy.
Sally was a loving mother and grandmother, and a friend to all who knew her. She was affectionately called “Grammy” by many. She left a positive impact on her community and her loss will be deeply felt by all who were lucky enough to know and love her.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 1:00pm-3:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave W., in Big Stone Gap, VA. The service will follow at 4:00pm at Christ Episcopal Church, 106 Clinton Ave., E, also in Big Stone Gap, VA with The Reverend Ray Moore officiating. The family requests colorful and/or floral attire be worn in her honor.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sally’s name may be made to Donate Life America (donatelife.net), or the Southwest Virginia Museum (P.O. Box 142, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219).
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mrs. Dunton’s family.
To view the obituary and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.