Lois Elaine Bryant Dillow, (Laney), age 80, passed away unexpectedly at her home on October 11, 2026. Elaine was born on February 28, 1946 in Bluefield, WVA to the late Reverend Parley and Mildred Bryant. The family moved to Bland, VA in 1958 and Elaine graduated from Bland High School in 1964.

In her early years, Elaine enjoyed sewing, crafting, and playing league softball. She collected recipes and never met a recipe she did not try! She was known for her "delicious peanut butter balls". Many family members received her chosen recipes in book form for Christmas.

Elaine worked at a sewing/hosiery mill in Dublin, VA. She eventually moved to the Bland County Health Department where she retired with 30 years of service. She was active in many civic and community events. She served on the Bland County Fair Association for many years. Annually, Elaine would take her daughter, Angela with her as they traveled across the state of VA reviewing potential carnivals for the Bland Fair.

Her love for horses was demonstrated by her and husband, Doug, owning and showing Tennessee Walking Horses. They enjoyed their yearly trip to Shelbyville, TN for the Walking Horse Celebration.

Another love of Elaine's was her card ministry. She cherished sending cards to people all over the country. She was a member of Bastian Church of God. She was instrumental in her church's program feeding the Bland Ministry Center employees and volunteers.

Elaine was a member of Bland Chapter No. 41, Order of the Eastern Star for 60 years. She served as Worthy Matron several times and participated on various state committees. She relished her role as a Grand Representative to Maryland. One of her biggest contributions (there were MANY) to her chapter was serving as the secretary for the past few years. Her attention to detail often brought chuckles from the members for her "in-depth" meeting minutes.

Elaine was predeceased by her parents, daughter, Donna Strock Bell, sisters, Phyllis B. Brewster and Joyce Bryant, sister-in-law, Denise Eaton, brothers-in-law, Jack Brewster and Jack King.

She is survived by her husband, Doug Dillow; daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Todd Harden; step-daughter, Dawn D. Blythe; sister, Rhonda B. King; grandchildren, Heather (Donnie) Lash, Randy (Brooke) Gragg, and Cody Blythe; great-grandchildren, Khiara and Kionna Mason and Lola Gragg; and brothers-in-law, Stanley (Bertha) Dillow, Mike Dillow, and Jerry Eaton. She leaves behind three special nieces, Jacqueline Brewster, Vicie K. Dotson and Kelli K. Chewning; and two special nephews, Bryan Brewster, and Kevin King and many other extended family members.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 1 pm at the Morning Star Cemetery, Bland, VA. Her pastor, Cliff Bowman will be officiating. An Eastern Star memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers/food, the family requests donations be made to the Bland County Rescue Squad, PO Box 585, Bland, VA 24315 or the Bland County Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 510, Bland, VA 24315.

The family extends our sincere thanks to all for your love, support, and prayers. We love you all. Take care, Vicie and the family.

 Highland Bland Funeral Chapel, Bland, VA is serving the Dillow family.