Donna Courtney

Donna Phyllis Howell Courtney, 60, of Terrell, passed away May 11, 2012. She was born May 21, 1951at Shaw Clinic in Kaufman, the second daughter of Guy Bud Graham Howell and Alvie Faye (Floyd) Howell. They lived in Terrell on Frances St. until she was four years old with Jessie and John LaRoe. They moved to Kaufman west of Hwy 34 North and at the age of six, moved to the farm of Dr. Ruth Jackson, Jackson Folly. Bud worked for Dr. Pepper and managed the farm until retirement while Faye took care of Dr. Jacksons house. They enjoyed raising horses, cows, oats, and hay on the farm. Donna attended Kaufman Elementary School through grade six, seventh and eighth grades at Coleman House on Houston Street, and ninth through twelfth grades at Kaufman High School. She graduated in May of 1969 with honors and was a member of the following clubs: FTA, FNA, FH, NHS, and the drill team. She then attended Henderson County Junior College (Trinity Valley Community College) in Athens majoring in Home Economics, transferred to East Texas State University (Texas A&M Commerce) and graduated there with a BS degree. She worked through college at Duke and Ayers variety store in Kaufman, Fullers Uniform Company, HCJC Biology Lab Assistant, Whites Auto Store in Terrell, and Substitute Teacher for Kaufman and Terrell ISD. Donna married Ronald Wayne Courtney on June 16, 1972 at the Kaufman Church of Christ. Then in May of 1973 she graduated from ETSU. She continued her education earning a Master of Education also at ETSU. She taught for the Kemp ISD from 1973-1982, worked for the Terrell Learning center, and taught Kindergarten for the Terrell ISD for 25 years before retiring in 2011. She is survived by her husband; two sons, Brian Scott Courtney and Brandon Dale Courtney; two sisters, Mary Ann Reeder and husband Charles, and Cindy Howell; sister-in-law, Ann Killebrew and husband Steve; nieces, Cristi Reeder, Stephanie Fuller and husband Andy, and Nicole Killebrew; and great niece, Jaycie Jackson. Donna is preceded in her death by her parents; son, Matthew Brent Courtney; and sisters, Sharon Kay Howell and Pat Howell. Her memorial service will be Saturday, May 19, at10:30 am at Rockwall and Brin Church of Christ, with Keith Feerer officiating. A meal will follow the service in the Family Life Center at the Church for everyone to visit with the family.