Virginia Nelon Chamberlain, 94, died Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at The Oaks of Sweeten Creek.  A native of Asheville, she was daughter of the late F.A. Nelon  and Annie Kuykendal Nelon.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert F. Chamberlain; son, Ronald Floyd Pearson and a sister, Pauline Neilson.

    Mrs. Chamberlain spent most of her life in Palm Beach County, Florida.  Virginia was a professional clown and well known for her volunteer work with non-profit organizations.  She will be remembered best as “Dolly the Clown”.  In 1997, Virginia moved back to Asheville where she lived the remainder of her life.

     She is survived by son, Robert Fredrick Chamberlain, Jr. of San Diego, California; daughters, Charlotte Burdeshaw of Phenix City, Alabama, Cornelia C. Wilson of West Palm Beach, FL and Marion C. Stomski of Lake Worth, Florida; sister, Thelma Love of Asheville; fourteen grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren.

     A funeral service will be held 4:00PM, Saturday, October 11, 2008 in the Chapel of Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue with Rev. Augusta Anne Anderson officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Burial will follow at Gashes Creek Cemetery.