Donna Jean Wilson

Donna Jean Wilson passed away from this temporary life to her eternal home in Heaven on January 18, 2026. She was born to Eugene and Jadell Anderson on May 16, 1943 in Vincent, Alabama. She spent most of her early life in Ft. Payne, Alabama. After graduating from high school, she attended David Lipscomb College for two years. She then boarded a train and disembarked in Abilene, Texas to attend Abilene Christian College. She knew no one there and questioned whether she had made a good decision, especially considering that the landscape was so bleak compared to her home in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. She finished her college career there graduating with a degree in Home Economics in December of 1964. While there in the summer of 1964, she was introduced to a young man by the name of Jack Wilson by her roommate and the roommate’s boyfriend. Jack liked what he saw and asked her out for a first date. She accepted, and Jack took her to the nicest restaurant in town, Mack Eplen’s. It had waiters, a nice menu and tablecloths. He also wore his best and only suit. Apparently, it worked because four months later they were married. Both sets of parents were apprehensive about them getting married since they had known one another for such a short time, but things evidently worked out since their marriage lasted for 61 years.

After graduation, Donna taught Home Economics in Ft. Worth for one year while Jack taught math for one year in Arlington, Texas. They then moved to League City and Clear Lake City, Texas where Jack worked for NASA as a computer programmer (coder) during the ApoIlo Space Program. Donna was able to stay home, manage the household and raise two children beautifully. That Home Economics came in very handy in her ability to manage the household well. She was also a wonderful cook.

After moving to Florida briefly, they returned to Abilene where Jack worked for Batesville Casket Company for the next 37 years. Together they also built a successful Amway business that allowed them the opportunity to enjoy many travel excursions.

Donna’s first Love was for the Lord. She leaves behind several bibles due to the many hours spent turning their pages. She was active for 20 years teaching in the Children’s Ministry at Highland Church of Christ. While there, she made many friends of other young mothers, and a prayer group was formed that still exists today. They not only met and prayed together but they also enjoyed many vacation trips together from coast to coast and Hawaii. Those who are still part of this group today are Rudith Drennan, Darlene Spann, Monnie Harris and a later addition, Janiece Watts. They still get together regularly after 50 years, for support, encouragement and prayers.

Donna lived for relationships. She was gifted to nourish and encourage everyone around her. If you were her friend, you probably thought you were her best friend because she gave 100% to everyone. Her prayers were authentic and powerful. If you needed some encouragement, she might sit down and quote the entire book of James in the New Testament to you. You would always go away inspired.

She is predeceased by her parents Eugene and Jadell Anderson. She leaves behind her husband Jack, her 2 children Alan and Catherine Wilson, grandson Clay Wilson, sister Julia Mays and husband Coker of Opelika, Alabama, her sister-in-law Sharon Wilson and husband Kenny of San Antonio, Texas, nephew David Mays and wife Maria, nieces Beth Woodrow and husband Seth, KeIly Litton and husband Jim, Kasey Koenig and husband Jordan, Kara Garcia and husband Oscar, as well as their children.

A service honoring Donna’s life will be held on Friday January 23rd at 2:00pm in the auditorium of Hillcrest Church of Christ, 650 Ambler, with a graveside service to follow at Elliott Hamil Garden of Memories. Dave Copeland, Mike Baker, Norm Archibald, Kelly Moore, Danny Armstrong, Dan Shepherd, Steve Conley, Claud Clifton, Craig Mills, Judd White, Jerry Mullins, Tim Ladyman and Ronnie Vinson will serve as honorary Pallbearers. A visitation with the family will be held Thursday evening from 4:30pm-7:00pm at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St.

Memorial gifts, if desired, may be made to Project Red, a non-profit founded by Donna’s niece Kara Wilson Garcia with the goal of benefiting struggling families in El Salvador both materially and spiritually or the charity of your choice. Project Red; projectredelsalvador.org 24165 IH - 10 West; Suite 217 #188; San Antonio, Texas 78257.