Donna Carol Watson

Imagine the moment Donna stepped through the gates of Heaven. After a lifetime of faith, love, service, laughter, and adventure, she finally saw the face of Jesus - the One she had loved and served all her life. And waiting there to welcome her home were the people she had missed for so many years: her beloved husband, Don, her parents, Ward and Edith, and so many family members and friends who had gone before her. We can only imagine the joy of that reunion—the hugs, the tears of happiness, and the sound of Donna's laughter as she was welcomed home.

On August 12, 2026, surrounded by the family who loved her so deeply, Donna peacefully left this earthly life and entered the arms of her Savior. God, in His mercy and grace, gently carried her home.

Donna Whitehead Watson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and faithful servant of the Lord, was born in 1947 to her loving parents, Ward and Edith Whitehead.

Donna grew up alongside her sister, Sharon Whitehead Norrell, and her two brothers, Glen Whitehead, husband of Grace Whitehead, and Jimmy Whitehead, husband of March Whitehead.

In 1964, Donna met and married the love of her life, Don Watson. Their marriage was built on love, faith, adventure, and service. They remained devoted to one another until Don's passing in 2008. Together, they built a beautiful family and a life dedicated not only to each other, but to serving others and sharing their faith.

Donna and Don spent 13 years as missionaries in Brazil, serving and sharing the love of Jesus with others. She also faithfully served alongside her husband during the years he led the congregation at The Roswell Baptist Temple in Roswell, New Mexico. As a pastor's wife, Donna gave her time, her heart, and herself to the people around her. She truly had a servant's heart and would help anyone in any way she could.

Throughout her life, Donna also worked as a bank teller for many years, both in Roswell, New Mexico, and throughout the greater Houston area in Texas. No matter where life took her, however, the things that mattered most to Donna remained the same: Jesus, her church, her family, her friends, and the people she loved.

Donna was the proud and loving mother of Kisha Watson Richardson, wife of Sean Richardson; Kim Watson Holt, and her son, Donnie Watson, husband of Saman Watson.

She was blessed with five granddaughters: Dr. Kendra Holt Moore, wife of Chad Moore; Kelsey Holt; Kimber Holt; Sydni Watson Nolan, wife of Collin Nolan; and Kya Holt.

She was also blessed with four grandsons: Preston Richardson, husband of Shannon Richardson; Garrett Richardson; Kam Holt; and Nolan Watson.

Donna's family continued to grow with the arrival of her two great-granddaughters, Rosie and Ellie Richardson, who brought even more joy and love into her life.

She is also survived by her sister, Sharon Whitehead Norrell; her brother, Glen Whitehead, and his wife, Grace; her brother, Jimmy Whitehead, and his wife, March Whitehead; her sisters-in-law, Towi Thornton and Tami Nichols; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Don Watson; her parents, Ward and Edith Whitehead; her sister-in-law, Cindy Whitehead; her mother-in-law, Nell Watson; her father-in-law, H.L. Watson; her brother-in-law, Darrell Watson; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

To know Donna was to know someone who was beautiful, sweet, caring, funny, adventurous, faithful, and full of love. She loved traveling, being surrounded by nature, caring for her animals, spending time with her friends, and most of all, being with her family.

And anyone who knew Donna well also knew that she was a fanatical and fiercely loyal supporter of the Dallas Cowboys. Through good seasons, bad seasons, and seasons that may have tested the patience of even the most faithful fans, Donna remained loyal to her Cowboys. Her passion for her team was just another wonderful part of her personality and one that will undoubtedly bring a smile to the faces of those who knew her best.

She cared deeply about others and had a way of making people feel loved. Her kindness was not something she simply talked about; it was something she lived. She truly had a servant's heart, and helping others was simply part of who she was.

Donna truly made the world a brighter place.

Her family will miss her more than words can ever express. Her hugs, her laughter, her words of wisdom, and the love she so freely gave will be deeply missed. There will be an empty space in the lives of those who loved her, but there is also great comfort in knowing exactly where she is.

Donna loved Jesus, and she looked forward to the day she would see Him face to face. She also looked forward to the beautiful reunion that awaited her.

Today, while her family mourns the loss of an incredible mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, they do not mourn without hope. They know without a doubt that Donna is home, praising the Lord and reunited with her beloved husband, her parents, and the many loved ones who went before her.

She was loved by so many.

She loved so many.

And she will be missed immensely. But her love, her faith, and the countless lives she touched will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Until we meet again, Mom. We love you.