Donna Jean McKinney

Donna Jean McKinney, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, traveler, dog lover, organizer extraordinaire, and family matriarch, passed away on June 24, 2026, at the age of 82.

Donna was born in Dallas, Texas, on October 17, 1943, to J.B. and Juanita Jones. She was preceded in death by her parents J.B. and Juanita Jones; her younger brother, Richard 'Ricky" Dale Jones, who passed away in 1969; and her beloved husband of more than 55 years, Charles Ray "Chuck" McKinney, who passed away in 2015.

Donna is survived by her four children and their spouses: Vicki Ward Bonner and son-in-law Jay of Whitney; Dawn McKinney-Hammock and son-in-law Alan of Cleburne; Mike McKinney and daughter-in-law Briana of Odessa; and Nita Acton and son-in-law Teddy of Denton. She also leaves behind a growing legacy of 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and another precious baby on the way. Her family was the pride and joy of her life, and each one knew they could always count on a smile, a hug, a snack, and unconditional love from Mom and Grandma.

Donna earned her degree in Cosmetology from Hill College and continued her education to become a cosmetology instructor. Her dedication and leadership eventually led her to become Director of Cosmetology Programs across multiple Hill College campuses. Throughout her career, she mentored countless students and helped shape future generations of cosmetology professionals.

On December 15, 1959, Donna married Charles Ray McKinney. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, hard work, and adventure. Through every stage of life, they stood beside their children, supporting marriages, college educations, business ventures, relocations, and eventually the raising of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Their love story created a foundation that continues to strengthen the family today.

Chuck and Donna loved square dancing, camping, and traveling. Together they explored Germany, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Scotland, and many other destinations. They enjoyed numerous cruises and never lost their sense of adventure.

Donna was a woman who appreciated life's simple pleasures. She loved reading, sweet tea, and a cigarette. She often joked that if she had those three things, she was perfectly content. She was also famous for her daily naps between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Family members knew better than to call during those sacred hours. It was her official "Do Not Disturb" time long before cell phones made the phrase popular.

Known simply as "Mom" to many and "Grandma" to even more, Donna was an enormous dog lover. Her first dog was a Boxer named Toby, and her last beloved companions were Toby Sue, a Boxer, and his companion, Lola Jean aka. "Devil Dog" terrier. She treated her dogs like family. Every evening, she carefully put them to bed, gave them their nighttime snacks, covered them with their own blankets, turned off their lights, and told them, "I love you. I'll wake you at 7:30 in the morning."

Donna lived through and participated in remarkable moments of history. She was working the phones at the Dallas Times Herald on November 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. She survived a small airplane crash while traveling with another Times Herald journalist on their lunch break. She also managed to blow up a washing machine in 1960 while seven months pregnant with her first child, Vicki—a story that became family legend.

To say Donna liked organization would be an understatement. She ran a home with military precision and what her children affectionately described as "Nazi-ish organization." She could not stand exposed wires, cables, or cords. Everything had to be symmetrical, neatly routed, and secured with zip ties or Velcro. She loved Velcro so much that family members often joked she could repair almost anything with either Velcro or carpet tape.

She was also known for taking things apart so she could improve their design, often much to the horror of her sons-in-law. Donna knew just enough about engines, mechanics, and home repairs to make professionals nervous and family members laugh.

She loved quiet mornings, solitude, soft jazz from the 1920s and 1930s, and spending time with the people she loved most. She was a planner by nature. Meal prepping was one of her favorite strategies, allowing her to avoid cooking for weeks at a time. Of course, after preparing enough meals for two months, she could usually be heard complaining that she was tired of eating the same thing over and over.

Christmas at Donna's house was always magical. Every person, young or old, received a gift. Sometimes it was exactly what you wanted. Sometimes it was a set of Ginzu knives or something unconventional you never knew existed. Either way, there was always a gift waiting for you because Donna wanted everyone to feel remembered and loved.

More than anything, Donna loved her family. Her children and their spouses, and all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren were the shining stars of her life. She celebrated every milestone, every accomplishment, and every new addition to the family with pride and enthusiasm.

Donna will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her laughter, determination, independence, generosity, and unmistakable personality leave behind memories that will be cherished forever.

Her children—Vicki, Dawn, Mike, and Nita—want the world to know that they have always been honored to be called Donna McKinney's children.

Rest in peace, Mom. Give Daddy a hug for us. We love you and will miss you every day.