Donell Parker
Donell Parker, 82, beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother and resident of Friendswood, TX, passed away December 23, 2022. Donell was born in Nacogdoches, TX on September 6, 1940. She was a graduate of Milby High School and was employed with Walgreens on Parkwood in Friendswood for 20 years. Donell was known for her vivacious personality and compassionate heart. She was quick to take new employees at Walgreens under her wing and show them the ropes. Donell would have given anyone the shirt off her back and cared for her loved ones deeply. If she wasn’t curled up with a good book, you could find her antique shopping, crocheting, or watching a western movie. She had many crafting skills and made numerous homemade gifts for her loved ones, and was a fabulous baker of pies. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her son, Don Parker; parents, Don and Mary Woodruff; brother, Russell Woodruff; sister-in-law, Beverly Woodruff.
Donell leaves behind her daughters: Alicia Harris, and Annelle Holden, husband Kurt; Grandchildren: Lindsay Harris, Adrien Parker, wife Julie, Jessica Parker, Clay Holden, wife Christen, Kyle Holden, wife Halle, Kate Holden, fiancée Cesar Zapata, and Abigail Holden; Great grandchildren: Marshall Gonzales, Maverick Gonzales, Pierce Parker, Laney Parker, and Claire Holden; Brother, Wendell Woodruff; and Daughter in law, Lisa Pietsch.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to St. Jude’s.
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, and still missed very dear.” -Unknown
Donell always had a smile and kind words to greet you. Heart felt kindness and yes always made you feel like you could have the shirt off her back if you needed it. I’ll miss her. God bless everyone.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all, her family and friends. I have known her only a short time a couple of years. We became family when Clay and Christen met. Her and I also had crocheting in common. She crocheted beautifully and I am sure those precious items will be cherished for many years to come. I hope during difficult times her memories will bring you all peace and comfort. One day soon we shall all be reunited with our loved ones on that beautiful shore, what a wonderful day that will be.
Such an amazing Lady. She helped raise me and she will always be remembered and cherished.
Prayers for family and friends.
Donell was a wonderful human being. Your family is our prayers.
My prayers are for family. I am long time friend of Donell’s. She loved her family & friends with all her heart. She has run the race & moved on to her reward. I will miss her & remember her with love the rest of my life. May she rest in peace♥️
It isn’t the same when you lose your mother. She has been by your side before you even knew you had a side. All of your life you have turned to her with excitement, with tears, with frustration, with love. With just the talk of the day. She has helped you climb your mountain. Now at the top, looking down on how far below everyone seems to clammor you do not get a response – like you always – ALWAYS have. You look around and no one is beside you on top of this mountain and you look up into the clouds above, and for the first time in your life you find yourself alone. Really, for the first time ever, you are alone from your mom. You realize you have become untethered to family and are now the head of that family. Your Sherpa has left you and you miss her so much. Just know she is in touches reach and she loves you always from above. You are not alone but for the first time you feel very lonely. Your life coach your best friend and your confidante is no longer there. Yet soon you will realize you are the Sherpa for your children, and they… like you, look to your every thought and guidance and input and love and yes, you are their number one Sherpa. Not to worry, as your mom will remind you often as that voice in the back of your head. But instead of talking back to it, you will just nod your head – and she will see. There are those around you who have lost their moms too. If you look, you see them on the other mountain top. They know your pain and lonliness at this time. So you are not alone. They reach out and show you you will be fine as long as you listen to that voice in your head. The one that says … where is your coat Annelle?
Granny,
We all miss you dearly. I’m so glad that your great grandson, Nate, was able to go to dinner with us not too long ago. I will miss our times together, but I’ll always have the wonderful memories we made. I wish that you were still here, but I know you’re in a better place. I’ll love you forever.