Donna Lou Gavens

On January 7, 1925 Donna was born to Bert and Edna Mendell of Brooklyn, New York. Donna graduated from Jamaica Vocational High School for Girls in June, 1942. She continued her education and pursued her career as a beautician. She met the love of her life, Henry “Hank” Gavens at a dance and they were united in marriage on April 13, 1947. A marriage that lasted until Hank’s death in January 2018. To this marriage was born one daughter, Kimberley. In 1950 they moved to Houston, Tx. Donna had an illustrious career of service to others. They both believed in God and were members at Second Baptist Church. Donna served as a proud hostess at the historical, world renowned Shamrock Hilton Hotel. Later, when Hank built and operated his Real Estate business and office, she became his secretary. Donna volunteered for several organizations, including Texas Children’s Hospital when Doctors Michael DeBakey and Denton Cooley partnered with their pioneer work in heart transplants. She was impressed when Dr. Cooley remembered and called her by name at a major charity event years later. Donna also volunteered and sponsored major fundraising events for Houston School for Deaf Children.

Donna and Hanks’s life together was joyous as they lived life to the fullest. Donna will always be known as a “people person”. She and Hank never met a stranger, almost everyone became their friends. She was a great cook and the best mother, wife, and friend. They were members of the Music Theater Guild, the Spain and Texas Society and many other charitable organizations. They loved attending the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo barbecue cookoffs especially when their friends had the “Damn-if-I-No” booth. They also always attended the Wurstfest in New Braunfels every year. They loved traveling and went on several cruises. On their 25th Wedding Anniversary they celebrated with a trip to Hawaii. They also loved going to South Padre Island and soaking up the sun. Donna was well known for her “golden tan”. They were also fabulous dancers and were members of the Warwick Club and loved The Swiss Chalet. Donna and Hank were hard workers with a high work ethic. They worked hard and played hard and lived life to the fullest and will be truly missed.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Hank, and siblings Myrl Lowe, Erma Michael, Bob Mendell, Bill Mendell and Patricia Bechtold. She is survived by her daughter Kimberley, her youngest sister Darlene Bargman of New York, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Gavens family.