Donna Kay Libby

Jack and Eula Gaffney’s lives were forever changed when they brought their only child home. With her smart, quick mind and dry sense of humor, Donna was able to pull off unsuspecting pranks and jokes. At a very young age, she met her life long partner in crime across the street, Mary Beth Benham who is a year older.

Growing up, Donna discovered swimming, competed in the Junior Olympics, and, as an adult would take DART (bus/rail) from Oak Cliff to downtown Dallas to swim laps at the YWCA or YMCA before going to work. DART allowed her time to consume mystery novels (book or on tape)- that were later discussed with Mary Beth.

School activities included Eaglette Drill Team lieutenant at Boude Storey Junior High and tennis team for the 1965 graduate of South Oak Cliff High School. She attended Texas Tech (which she LOVED) for 3 years with Mary. However, her parents wanted Donna closer to home when Mary graduated-Donna graduated from North Texas State University.

At the age of 16, she met Larry Libby through their moms at Riverlake Country Club. Since Larry has an outgoing-never met a stranger-personality and Donna was more reserved, it took a while for them to find balance. They were married 54 years.

Donna knew she wanted to work with kids, although she and Larry did not have children. Tried teaching-hated it! Settled into a career with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to locate runaway and homeless youth, travel to pick up the found kids and get them to safety. A job of an angel on Earth.

Raised in faith at Cliff Temple Baptist Church, Donna and Larry found First United Methodist Church Dallas and joined the Covenant Class, who became friends and chosen family.

Souls watching out for new pranks in Heaven are parents John Joseph (Jack) and Eula Mae Taylor Gaffney, Aunts & Uncles Leroy and Myriam Gaffney, Mary Gaffney, Bula and Jack Hamm, cousins Don Gaffney, Janet Hamm Watkins, Vickie Hamm, and Angela Edwards. Mortals left on Earth: Elaine Gaffney, Laura and Andrew Checki, Stephanie Cason, Bruce and Celia Edwards, Wynn and Elaine Edwards, Ronnie Watkins, Marsha Lambert, Dennis Hamm, Mary Beth Benham McLemore, many neighbors and her sweet dog Bru.

Donna’s favorite charities: First United Methodist Church Dallas, YMCA, KERA. Please make a donation to your favorite charity in her memory in lieu of flowers.