NILA ECHOLS

June was born in a blizzard in Steubenville, Ohio, January 28, 1935, to William and Madaline Logue Welsh. She graduated from Steubenville High School in 1952 where she was a member of the Big Red bands and orchestra. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1956. June was an R.N. in Charlottesville, VA; Miami, FL; and New York, NY, and she became a member of the teaching staff at Virginia Baptist School of Nursing after moving to Lynchburg, VA in 1962.

June earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia in 1973 and taught English at several schools in the Lynchburg area.

June joined the Daughters of the American Revolution through her patriot ancestor Noah Frisbie of Connecticut.

June and her husband Pete moved to Richmond, VA in 2002 to become an integral part of their granddaughters’ lives.

June was predeceased by her husband Porter (Pete) B Echols, Jr. She is survived by her sister Darla Sue Welsh (Stan), brother Bill Welsh (Juanita), daughter Susan E Vieth (Tom), daughter Laura Echols, son Burks Echols (Ann Carter), and the pride and joy of her old age, her two granddaughters Carter and Sarah.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Falling Spring Presbyterian Church; 410 Falling Spring Rd; Glasgow, VA 24555 or VPM.org [Va Public Media – NPR & PBS 23 Sesame Street; Richmond, VA 23235

A funeral sevice/ celebration of life will be held in Rockbridge County, Virginia in April 2026.