Margaret Thornton Gilliland Dawson

Margaret Thornton Gilliland Dawson of Nathalie passed away on July 10, 2025 at the blessed age of 98. She was born in Halifax County on November 7, 1926 to the late James William “Major” Gilliland and the late Bertha Powell Gilliland. She was married to the late Clarence William “Bill” Dawson, Sr.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Republican Grove. Margaret enjoyed playing the piano, quilting, crocheting and fishing. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Linda D. Puccio (Vincent) of Martinsville, Jackie D. Yesalavich (Joseph) of Nathalie, Jane D. Keel (Wiley) of Mechanicsville, C.W. Dawson Jr, (special friend Deborah Hunt) of Nathalie; eight grandchildren Anthony Puccio, William Joseph Puccio, Christopher Puccio (Samantha), Christie Yesalavich-Pulliam (Joel), Angela Yesalavich (special friend Chris) , Amy Faires (Jason), Allison Graham (Josh), Traci McKinney (Jeremiah); nine great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

In addition to her parents and her husband she is preceded in death by her grandson, David Yesalavich; great grandson, Colin Hudson and her daughter-in-law, Debbie Dawson.

A funeral service will be held Monday, July 14, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church of Republican Grove with the Rev. Shelton Miles and Rev. Zak Ford officiating. Burial to follow in church cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday one hour prior to the service at the church and other times at her home.

For memorials, please consider Halifax County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 1891, Halifax, VA 24558.

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

Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.