Nila Ann Dunaway
Nila Ann Dunaway, 69, of Simpsonville, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Born in Baytown, TX, she was the daughter of the late Leon and Ruth Dunaway.
She is survived by her brother, Clifton (Sheila) Dunaway; nephews, Joshua (Nikki) Dunaway and their daughters, Leilah and Lana, and Justin Dunaway and his daughter, Lily. She had 1 dog, a chihuahua named Frankie, and two cats named Tara and Tess. All three were re-homed to a close neighbor who used to baby sit the pets when Nila was away, so she knew them.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Winston Dunaway.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the ASPCA.
Service details will be announced once finalized.
Additional information is forthcoming.
Dear Clifton, Sheila and sons,
Please accept my sincerest sympathies on Nila’s death. She was a wonderful friend for many years.
I was just thinking about her a couple of days ago….
Peace to all of you.
Kathy Bernhardt Long, I met Nila 45 years ago when we worked at Craig, Lamm, Hensley and Alderman!
She and I went to England with my college friend in June of 1983…we had a blast!
Nila was my cool, sweet, sassy cousin who I admired from an early age and afar as we occupied different coasts. So happy she was able to share her generous spirit with the people & pets in her life. She will be dearly missed.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
I met Nila in the 1980s as we were both navigating life in Houston as sales reps for what would later become Characters. She introduced me to sushi, as well as one of the best little Mexican food spots in Houston. Nila was a foodie before “foodie” was even a thing. She had a quick wit and was always ready for a thoughtful debate on whatever topic was at hand.
I have a treasure trove of memories from those days. I especially remember one of our last conversations years later, when she was considering retirement and a move to the East Coast. Through her posts over the years, it was clear she was enjoying the changing seasons and the companionship of her beloved furry friends.
I met Nila through my next door neighbor here in Taylors (SC) many years ago. We travelled together, spent many hours playing cards and scrabble, shopping at garden centers for plants, watching silly old British tv shows like Father Ted and Vicar of Dibley…Often ate at Mexican restaurants. We’ve sung loudly (and badly) to Crosby Stills and Nash and The Eagles.
Nila was a loyal friend and could always make me laugh. She had a quirky sense of humor. I won’t ever forget her sweet smile. Never dull, she could be quite a drama queen at times!
A great lady, I will always miss her..
Sending love and prayers to the family and friends of this sweet lady. I met Nila through my friends Debbie and Erica. She also became a client of mine and trusted me to find her SC home. Nila was so sweet and could be very funny at times. She had a great sense of humor and oh how she loved her fur babies. We had that in common for sure. I know she would be happy that they are with someone she knew and trusted. I know they miss their mama and I miss my friend. RIP Nila…till we see you again.
God’s continuous peace, comfort, and strength for you all. Nila, my friend, I will miss you. I will cherish our friendship. I met Nila at an eye doctor’s office. From that day forward she was known as “Trouble”. She would called me “Trouble” as well. It was our joke. She moved away for a while due to position w/ her company, but I was so ecstatic when I learned of her return back to Greenville. We picked up where we left off. I was so glad she was back. A great sense of humor. She introduced me to Erica. What a bond. Wonderful times you, Erica, and myself had together. Rest Nila.