Name: Service for Donda Thompson Plyler
Start: 2023-11-12T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-11-12T17:00:00.000Z
Location: First Christian Church in Kingsport

KINGSPORT - Donda Thompson Plyler, 58, of Kingsport went home to be with the Lord on November 9, 2023 at her home with her family. She was born in Houston, Texas to Howard and Marilyn Thompson. Donda and her family later relocated to Burlington, North Carolina where she grew up and graduated High School. She was a graduate of Appalachian State University and later received her master's in education from Liberty University. Donda was a dedicated and devoted elementary school teacher for 20 years. She had just retired and was awaiting the birth of her first grandchild, who she did get to meet. Donda accepted Christ as her savior at a young age and her steadfast and vibrant faith permeated everything that she said and did. Her light shined in places such as Kenya, Mexico, Belize, and Sweden as she shared God's love with others around the world and in her own community. Donda had a beautiful singing voice and shared her gift through the praise team most recently at LifeBridge Christian Church where she faithfully served alongside her husband. She was an avid reader, talented interior decorator, and enjoyed being outdoors with her family and friends. Donda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew her and were touched by her life.

Survivors include her loving husband of 31 years, Scott Plyler; daughter, Matney Plyler; son, Nate Plyler and wife Chloe; granddaughter, Jensen Plyler; parents, Howard and Marilyn Thompson; sisters, Marla Thompson, Julie Dinesmore and husband Bryan; brother, Todd Thompson and wife Mimi; mother-in-law, Phyllis Plyler; brother-in-law, Danny Plyler and wife Suzy; along with several nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be conducted at her family cemetery in Reidsville, North Carolina.

The family will receive friends from 3pm to 5pm on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at the First Christian Church in Kingsport, TN. A celebration of life service will follow with Pastor Phip Sams and Pastor Sam Icenhour officiating.

In lieu of flowers and due to Donda's great love for children the family request sponsoring a child or making a donation at www.worldvision.org.

To express condolences to the family please visit our website at www.cartertrent.com

Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport is serving the Plyler family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Kingsport Times-News on Nov. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Donda Plyler

Sponsored by Carter-Trent Funeral Homes - Kingsport.

6 Entries

John Stitt

February 3, 2025

Dear Howard and Marilyn and Scott and family,

The week of Thanksgiving 2024 (just a little over 2 months ago now) I was visiting my parents in Burlington, NC, and I was shocked and saddened to stumble upon Donda´s obituary online from a year ago and also the GoFundMe for her cancer-related health care costs from several months before that. It hit me hard and I wept as I remembered the beautiful, kind, smart, funny, talented girl and Godly young woman from all those years ago at Burlington Assembly of God. I loved to hear her sing, and I remember how she shone the light of Jesus to those around her in a humble unassuming way, so kind and compassionate, always a genuine friend. I always wished I could have known her better, but even so, she was one of my favorite people among those I have met in my lifetime. There was just something intangibly special and extraordinarily good about her. She was one of a kind.

Although I know she must be happier now in the Lord´s full presence than we can possibly imagine, I can´t help but grieve the huge loss this must be for you as Donda´s parents and siblings and for Donda´s own precious family (husband and daughter and son and grandchild). When someone as special as Donda leaves us, it leaves a huge hole and our world becomes a little dimmer, at least for a while. Thankfully we know she now lives in the perfect light of the Son.

I´m so sorry for coming upon this news so late and not finding out sooner, but I wanted to express my condolences to you and to honor Donda in some way. I had planned to follow up on this in early December, but my father´s unexpected death just a few days after I learned about Donda ended up occupying all my time and energy for several weeks until now.

May God give you His peace, comfort, and sure hope that you will be with Donda again in eternity.

In Christ´s love,
John Stitt

Wanda Timbs

November 14, 2023

Scott and family
My heart is full of love for you and Matney and Nate. I feel so blessed you have been a part of my family´s life for so many years. Just know how special all of you are and I pray God will continue to bless you. Love and prayers always Wanda

Judy Reynolds

November 13, 2023

Donda was so special. I worked with her at North Side. Dis some work in her classroom. We were in a prayer group together to pray for staff and children. She was a true example of Christ. Judy Reynolds NS

Barry and Divana Bowyer

November 12, 2023

Nate, we are sorry for your loss and continue to lift you and your family up in prayer.

Mike Keaffaber

November 12, 2023

Thoughts and prayers for the family during this very difficult time.

Steve and Linda Stewart

November 11, 2023

Scott and family we are sorry for your loss You are definitely in our prayers. We love you
Steve and Linda Stewart

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