Born in Lubbock on February 13, 1926, to Cleve and Erma Reece, Donnie moved at a very young age with her parents and younger sister, Dauphine, to Big Spring, Texas, where she grew up and always considered home. While in high school, Donnie met Keats Watts. On November 5, 1943, Donnie and Keats began a marriage which would last until his passing in 1999. Together, they raised their two daughters, Janine and Donna in Big Spring. Donnie was a devoted wife and loving mother.
Throughout her years in Big Spring, she volunteered at the VA Hospital, worked as a legal secretary, school secretary and served as pianist & organist at her church. In 1968, after their daughters were grown and married, Donnie and Keats moved to Baton Rouge, where they lived until Keats retired in 1982, and they moved to the Fort Worth area to be close to family and become full time grandparents. Amidst enjoying time with the grandchildren, Donnie also managed to stay busy with church activities and traveling across the country in the couple’s RV.
Always having a smile and a hug for everyone, Donnie loved her family, her savior, Jesus Christ, her church family, and pretty much anyone she ever met. She had a life- long love of music and entertaining, singing and playing piano well in to her 90’s for anyone who would listen. However, her favorite times were spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, from Texas to California, who would probably say that their Nonnie’s sweet disposition came from the candy and desserts she loved so much. She never knew a stranger, and her Christmas card list was a testament to that. Wanda Don was a great lady with a generous spirit, and she will be missed by all who were blessed to come into her life.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Janine Parkison; sister, Dauphine Songayllo; grandson, Duane Parkison; great grandson, Nathan McConnell; and sons-in-laws, Richard Parkison and Doug McConnell.
Donnie is survived by daughter, Donna McConnell; grandchildren, Tony Parkison & wife, Susan, Kevin McConnell, Terry McConnell & wife, Tiffany, Joshua McConnell & wife, Rachael, and Mary Wortham & husband, Kevin; great grandchildren, Nicole Prothero, Alex Parkison, Darren, Hilary & Garrett Parkison, Sheldon, Reece & Lucas McConnell, Caleb & Christian McConnell, Isaac, Esmond & John McConnell, and Mckayla & Keaton Wortham, and many nephews and nieces.
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