Donna J. Livingston

FORT WORTH-Donna J. Livingston departed for home Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017. Her joyful spirit will be carried on by everyone who knew her — whether for a moment, or a lifetime. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Donna during her 81 years, among them: never throw away anything resembling Santa Claus; always let a dog (or two) share your bed; cry profusely at every wedding you attend or even hear about second-hand; never pass a stray dog or cat in a dangerous situation without stopping and placing yourself in the same dangerous situation to rescue them; give your poor family’s last gallon of water to an even poorer family found stranded in the desert; kiss every baby you meet (on the feet, because the mother might worry about germs); never leave home without watering your plants; dress picky-eating children in royal garb and hold “high tea” with vegetables dressed up as queenly faire; always be on the hunt for items at yard sales “perfect” for your friends and family; and.. help anyone struggling — emotionally, spiritually, financially… or just trying to get their kids into a car or shopping cart. Those who have taken her lessons to heart will continue to ensure that a cold drink will be left for the overheated mail carrier, every child will be kissed and hugged repeatedly, every nursing home resident will be visited, the hungry will have a sandwich, the guest will have a great meal and a soft bed and the puppy found in the culvert will enjoy a warm bath, a full belly and a place of honor under the covers. Above all, Donna talked – to everyone – about everything. You may read this and recall a conversation with her that touched your heart, tickled your funny bone, or maybe made you say “huh?” She is survived by her three children and six long-awaited grandchildren whose photos and accomplishments (real or “expanded”) she would share with prospective friends in checkout lines: Bryan Keith (wife Barbara, children Molly, Chloe and Audrey); Dani Raye (husband Scott, son Will); Jason Andrew (wife Wendy, children Cameron and Donovan); her precious sister Karen Sue (husband Tommy, children Jennifer and Rachel, grandchildren Tucker, Emery Rose and Quillin); “Chosen” son Timmy (wife Lori, children Laura and Tristan), “The Girls,” her lifelong best friends from North Side High School; her “more like a sister” Cousin Janie and too many others to list, but never forgotten. Donna has now been reunited with her beloved husband of 63 years, favorite dance and renovation partner, Charles H. Livingston Jr. and their precious first daughter, Jeffrey Lynn; her father, Raymond, her brother, Ray, her sisters, Patricia and Debbie; her mom, Vera and all her wild-‘n-crazy aunts who raised her with such joy, laughter and an unrelenting zest for life, and of course, Heidi, Chalupa, Henry, Muffin, Sam and Shadow. Friends (and strangers she would have loved to have met) may join Donna’s family at her memorial service at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at First United Methodist Church in downtown Fort Worth. A graveside service will take place immediately following the memorial at Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Grand Ave. on the North Side. All are invited to attend a party in her honor at her sister Karen’s house in Argyle following the graveside service (directions provided at the church). Dress comfortably in bright colors and come prepared to “laugh more than cry,” as were her wishes. And forget the Save the Whales Fund — she would want the flowers!

BROWN OWENS & BRUMLEY FAMILY FUNERAL HOME

425 S. Henderson St.

(817) 335-4557