Donna Sue Ayers Salyers, 72, of Covington, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at her daughter’s residence in St. Augustine, Florida. She was born July 11, 1954, in Alleghany County, a daughter of Thomas E. Ayers, Sr., of Low Moor, and the late Dorothy Smith Ayers. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Ernest “Jimmy” Salyers. Donna enjoyed a long and successful 46-year career in area banking, working at several local institutions where she became a familiar and trusted face in the community. A lifelong member of Hoke Chapel United Methodist Church, she had a special gift for making people feel welcome and happy, often brightening her workplace with thoughtful decorations and her warm, can-do spirit. Always reliable and generous, she would do anything for anyone and could be counted on in every situation. Above all, she cherished her family and her beloved dog, Piper. She was her daughter Sami’s biggest cheerleader, proudly supporting her in every athletic endeavor, and she thoroughly enjoyed attending Virginia Tech football and basketball games. In her free time, she loved to read and soak up the sun, perfectly content to spend an entire day at the beach. She had a special fondness for the color pink. In addition to her father, survivors include her daughter, Sami Lawrence and her husband, John, of St. Augustine, FL; one grandson, Crewe Lawrence; a sister, Terry (Jim) Brackman of Covington; two brothers, Thomas (Earleen) Ayers, Jr., and David Ayers (Kathy Dudding) of Clifton Forge; one uncle, Garland (Carolyn) Ayers of Ocala, FL; one brother-in-law, Anthony (Nancy) Salyers of Covington; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Lynn Wright officiating, assisted by Pastor Paul Gillespie. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Hoke Chapel Cemetery. Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family encourages those attending Donna’s service to wear pink, if possible. Memorial contributions in Donna’s name may be made to: Hoke Chapel UMC, c/o Alisha Hayslett, 113 Cliffview Dr., Covington, VA 24426, or to the Alleghany Humane Society, 9313 Rich Patch Road, Covington, VA 24426. Online condolences may be made at arrittfuneralhome.com.
