Donna Cooley Ellison, a beloved soul whose laughter echoed through the halls of Onalaska Elementary in Onalaska, Texas, passed away on August 19, 2025, in Conroe, Texas. Born on February 23, 1962, in Decatur, Illinois, Donna’s life was a vivid tapestry woven with cherished memories, love for her family, and an unyielding spirit of adventure. As an admission clerk, Donna was not merely a fixture at the school but a warm embrace for every child and parent who walked through the door. Her kindness was matched only by her dedication, and she found joy in nurturing young minds, embodying the very essence of community and connection.
Beyond her professional life, Donna’s passions defined her. She adored fishing—not just as a pastime, but as a sacred bond shared with her grandchildren, Colin and Riley. Those tranquil moments spent alongside them on the water, the playful splashes and laughter, are etched in the hearts of her family, memories that shimmer like sunlight on lake waters.
Gardening was another of Donna’s loves. Her flower garden flourished under her nurturing touch, mirroring the love she had for life itself. Each bloom she cultivated, vibrant and alive, reflected her joyful spirit and her ability to view the world through a lens of beauty and wonder.
A true explorer at heart, Donna found solace in the great outdoors, hiking through the breathtaking vistas of national parks. With each step, she embraced the natural world, finding peace among towering trees and expansive skies, her adventurous spirit guiding her to discover the wonders that lay beyond the horizon.
Donna’s legacy extends beyond her numerous accomplishments. She was a proud contender at national bowling tournaments, with each strike celebrated and cherished, creating lasting memories with those who stood by her side.
She leaves behind a loving family: her son Justin Ellison and wife Taylor, her sister Kathy Jo Cooley, as well as her adoring grandchildren, Colin Ellison and Riley Ellison. Her precious puppy, “Chloe”, will forever symbolize the unconditional love and joy that filled her home. Also among her beloved are her nieces, Megan Phillips and her husband Josh, and August Thompson and her husband Matt, who carry forward her spirit and warmth.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Lois Cooley, as well as her siblings, Butch and Susie Cooley. To say they are missed is an understatement; their love continues to cast a shadow over her family—a reminder of the deep roots from which Donna drew her strength and affection.
In the echoes of her laughter, in the petals of her garden, and in the ripples of the lakes where she fished with her grandchildren, Donna Cooley Ellison lives on, a luminous presence that will forever illuminate the lives of those she touched. Her journey may have come to an end, but her spirit will forever soar in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, 3:00 pm at Neal Funeral Home.
Services are being handled under the trusted care of Neal Funeral Home.
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