Lois Mae Nisonger

Lois Mae Nisonger (Gadd), age 90 of South Carolina and formerly of Dayton, reunited with her husband James Nisonger on January 7, 2021. She was born in Dayton, OH on October 13, 1930 to the late Paul Brady and Dorothy Margaret (Davis) Gadd. In addition to her husband and parents, Lois was preceded in death by her sister, Doris Jean Gadd.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Louise Nisonger Collins; Turkish daughters, Sahika & Durin; Turkish/American granddaughters, Tulin & Hulya; brother, Donald Paul Gadd; sister-in-law, Janice Delater and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Lois grew up in Englewood, OH and survived scarlet fever at the young age of 6. She attended Concord Methodist Church and Fairview High School. Her first job at 15 years of age was at Adlers Department Store in Dayton. She went on to marry James in 1951 at Riverdale Methodist Church. She traveled with him while he served in the Army from 1952-53.

Upon returning to Dayton, Lois found a passion for volunteering at many different organizations including Community Methodist Sunday School, Beavertown Elementary School, Miami Valley Hospital, Jaycee Wives Club (where she served as president), and the voting polls during the early to mid-1960's. She began volunteering at Barney's Children Hospital and was soon hired as the Director of Volunteers where she served for more than 20 years. Through this work she saw the need for and was responsible for bringing a Ronald McDonald House to Dayton. ("The house that Lois built".)

In 1968, Lois and Jim hosted a Turkish foreign student, Sahika. She, her sister, her parents, and later her husband, and her children became forever part of the family.

Lois later became a member of the Dayton Altrusa Club, subsequently serving as President of the Dayton District, and then as Second Vice Governor of a 5 state district. She was a Participant of Leadership Dayton program in 1979 and named one of Dayton's Ten Top Women of 1980. Lois & Jim moved to South Carolina after retiring, where she continued her volunteer work at the local grade school, and with the National Baptist Women's Auxiliary.

A graveside service will begin at 1:00 PM on Monday, January 18, 2021 at Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery, (8135 N Dixie Dr, Dayton, OH 45414) where Lois will be laid to rest next to her husband.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton, in Lois' memory.

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