Donna Marie Cessna

Donna Marie Cessna was born February 10, 1948, in Hobbs, New Mexico. She stepped into her Savior’s presence on September 23, 2021, in Conroe, Texas.

Donna was preceded in death by parents, B.W. (Fritz) and Marie Roecker; Son, Bradley Cessna; Sisters, Peggy Gowan, Ruth Bellar, and Claudine Young; Brother-in-law, John McCauley; and Niece, Julie McCauley.

She is survived by husband of 54 years, Lawrence Ray Cessna of Conroe, Texas; Children Stacy (Cessna) and Jeff Parker of Conroe, Texas; Heather (Cessna) Downey of Conroe, Texas; Grandchildren Brittany (Parker) and Anthony Hamilton of Longview, Texas; Kimberly Parker of Houston, Texas; Austin Parker of Conroe, Texas; Joshua Cessna of Mart, Texas; Triston Downey of Conroe, Texas; Tyler Downey of Conroe, Texas; Great-grandson Abbott Hamilton of Longview, Texas; and Sisters, Judy McCauley of Montgomery, Texas, Vickie Vermillion and husband Curtis of Humble, Texas, Barbara Dishongh and husband Mack of Brazoria, Texas.

Donna spent her childhood as the 5th youngest of 7 girls in Odessa, Texas. She gave her life to Christ at the age of 9, and centered the rest of her days around Him. Donna graduated form Odessa High School in 1966.

After meeting on a blind date, Donna and Ray were married on February 3, 1967. Over the years, she built a beautiful life in cities across South Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, before hand-drawing the plans for her dream home and seeing them come to fruition in Conroe, Texas. Donna’s greatest joy was lovingly raising Stacy, Brad, and Heather. She was an excellent seamstress, creating head-to-toe outfits for her family, including three-piece suits for Ray. She frequently made elaborate meals from scratch, and spent her time scrapbooking family photos and recipes. She enjoyed doing puzzles, especially when she could get Ray to slow down long enough to put them together with her. Donna was a meticulous bookkeeper, especially keeping family budgeting records and Ray’s business financial records in good order. She filled numerous notebooks with handwritten records of everyone’s birthdays, anniversaries, and addresses.

Donna had an adventurous and fun-loving spirit. She took many cross-country road trips with all her family members. They held an annual reservation to camp in tents along the Frio River. Some of her best memories were made hosting Christmas parties, family gatherings, and game nights that lasted long into the next morning. Her family could recognize her grin when she decided to playfully cheat during a round of cards. She never missed an opportunity to play jokes on her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Even in her last months on earth, Donna’s concern was focused on her immediate and extended family instead of herself. She paid attention to every detail of her loved ones’ lives, and spent many hours in prayer on their behalf. Donna always made sure that those of us lucky enough to know her knew two things: first of all, how far the love of Jesus can reach; and secondly, exactly how far her love for us reached, too.


In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donna’s name to Calvary Baptist Church at 3401 N. Frazier Street, Conroe, Texas 77303.











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