Donna Pearse Pyburn

Donna was born in Washington D.C., October 10th, 1951, the daughter of the late William J. Mailley and Joan D. Mailley (Bause). Out of five children, she was her parents’ third born and the only girl, a bridge between her four brothers.

Donna graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She was a talented artist and spent much of her life creating art in many forms and teaching others. She also taught for Jefferson County Schools in WV as a substitute teacher from 1999-2009, often teaching in long terms. Along with art, she was passionate about gardening, Early American antiques, and studying religion and spirituality. One of her greatest accomplishments was being a wonderful, loving mother to her children. She was also a devoted wife to her husband, Michael, of 24 years. Later on, she experienced the joy of being a grandmother and she adored her grandchildren. She brought a sweet, happiness into the lives of so many with her kind nature and warm heart. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Michael L. Pyburn; her daughters, Ashleigh N. Wardlaw (Carstens) and Gabrielle L. Carstens; stepsons, Rudolph A. Carstens III and Christopher E. A. Carstens; grandchildren, Evangeline L. Wardlaw, Broderick A. M. Wardlaw, Rhysland N. P. Wardlaw and Rhorick T. P. Wardlaw; and her brothers, William J. Mailley Jr. and M. Allan Mailley.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son Aaron P. Carstens; brothers R. Todd Mailley and D. Mark Mailley. She is also preceded in death by, former husband and father of her children, Rudolph A. Carstens II.

A service will be held at National Memorial Funeral Home in Falls Church, VA on the 26th of September at 2:00 PM.

Flowers are welcome and may be sent to National Memorial Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042-1725

Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home, Inc. were entrusted with her arrangements.