Donna Aileen Crenshaw
Donna Aileen Crenshaw, 85, a 55-year resident of Friendswood TX, passed away on July 13th, 2025. She was born on December 18th, 1939 to Wilma and Bryan Cook in Meridian, MS.
Donna attended the University of Alabama where she graduated with a BS in Education in 1965. She was awarded the National Business Education Association’s Award of Merit her Senior Year.
Donna and Henry lived in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama before settling in Huntsville where Henry worked for Lockheed. This is where Donna started her long career of piano teaching. Her first students were her Pastor’s Children.
Donna and her husband, Henry, moved from Huntsville, Alabama, to Friendswood, Texas, in 1970. Music was always a big part of Donna’s life. She started teaching piano again when they moved to Friendswood and continued for over 50 years. She was also a Church Pianist and Organist at different times during her life as well as the Music Leader for Children’s Day at FBC Friendswood for 26 years.
Donna’s relationship with Jesus was the most important thing to her. She loved sharing him with others through teaching, music, her testimony, and her example. She was a selfless person, always thinking of others. Her family was very important to her. The love she showed her husband, kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids was a great source of joy to them.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents Wilma and Bryan Cook; and her husband of 56 years Henry Thomas Crenshaw, Sr. She is survived by her daughters Marie Hawkins (Greg) and Cindy Gunter (Carey); sons Tom Crenshaw (Debbie) and Bryan Crenshaw (Eliane); grandchildren Jason Kinney, Melissa Snowden, Ashley Johnston, Nick Hawkins, Anthony Hawkins, Linsey Valle, Brandon Crenshaw, Mathias Crenshaw, and Joaquin Crenshaw. Donna is also survived by her 18 great-grandchildren.
There will be a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Crowder Funeral Home 2422 E. Broadway St. Pearland, TX 77581. Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, July 18th, 2025 at Heritage Park Baptist Church, 2732 FM Rd. Webster, TX, 77598. with Pastor Trent Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, TX.
Pallbearers: Jason Kinney, Brandon Crenshaw, Landon Dry, Gary Snowden, Anthony Hawkins, and Matt Valle.
Donna and Henry took us in as family when we moved next door in Friendswood, TX. My husband and I had just graduated from college and accepted a job for my husband in Houston with Boeing. We grew to love them and their family as our own. Donna’s laugh is what I will remember most. She was a joy to us and then our boys, when we grew our little family. She demonstrated the love of Christ in action and at all times.
Lifting the family up in prayer this week, and sending many hugs from Idaho.
Donna will be remembered and missed by many. She was a very loving and caring and kind person. She played the piano at my oldest sons wedding, Keith. I am praying for all her family daily.
I got to meet and visit with Ms. Donna at quite a few of your family gatherings. She was such a joy to be around. Always happy and smiling. She left a lasting impression on my heart. I know that she will be missed.
Debbie Howland (Nana)
I enjoyed knowing Mrs Crenshaw through my friendship with Marie and she was the nicest Mom to all who were lucky enough to be in her presence. I remember her baking pecans and her warmth when I came into her home.
Susan Carter Slocomb
Mrs. Crenshaw touched my life in a very impactful way with her sweet and kind spirit. My two girls were her students. She was a shining light of God’s love. I send my condolences to all, family and friends.