Donna Willis

Donna Willis, 70, of Tahoka, and loving wife of Doyle Willis, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday morning, March 7, 2024.  Donna was born on October 26, 1953, in Merkel, Taylor County, Texas, to the late Elmer Gunnels and Ouida (Atkinson) Gunnels.

She attended Tahoka schools until her junior year, and then attended Lubbock High School and graduated as an Honor Student with the senior class of 1971.

Donna met Doyle Willis, the love of her life, and they were united in marriage on January 15, 1971, in Tahoka, Texas.  Out of this blessed union were born three children, one son and two daughters.

Donna has served Lynn County as their Tax Assessor - Collector since January 2013, and was re-elected this past week for another term prior to her passing.  She was an officer and board member for the Tax Assessor – Collectors of Texas and was President of the Lubbock region for 6 years.  Donna also served on several legislative committees regarding her work, was very politically involved and was a selected member of Leadership 254.   She was very passionate about her work and the people she served. 

She loved her family, especially her grandchildren.   Cooking was a passion for Donna, and she was well known for her baking talents.  She won several awards and ribbons for her German Chocolate cake and Italian Cream cake at the South Plains Fair for many years.  She was a member of the Lubbock Saddle Club of AASP & RC for over 30 years.  Donna attended Heart of Worship Church.

Those left to honor and cherish her memory include her beloved husband, Doyle; two daughters:  Delci Willis of Lubbock, and Darla Heinrich (Robert) of Tahoka; one brother, Bob Gunnels (Wayla) of Brownfield; four beloved grandchildren:   Michael Heinrich, Myles Heinrich, Tucker Baeza and Taegan Baeza; and a host of extended family members and friends.   Donna was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Bebo Willis; and one brother, Gary Gunnels.

A visitation for Donna will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM on Thursday, March 14, 2024, in the Combest Family Memorial Chapel in Tahoka.  Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Tahoka.  Rev. Phillip Brown and Rev. Tony Pitcox will be the officiants.  Graveside services will follow at 2:30 PM in the Dickens Cemetery, in Dickens, Texas, under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes.

Pallbearers will be Brian Arthur, Bart Smith, Alex Tijerina, Tony Tijerina, Josh Padgett, Jordan Butler, Andy Gunnels and Robby Gunnels. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Heinrich, Myles Heinrich, Tucker Baeza and Taegan Baeza.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that you would kindly contribute in Donna’s memory to Cal Farley’s Boy’s Ranch, 600 SW 11^th Avenue, Amarillo, Texas 79101.