Davie Doniece Jainese

Davie Doniece Jainese, 87, of Kyle, Texas went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 24 at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, San Marcos. She passed away after a period of failing health with her family by her side. She was born on July 11, 1936, in Honey Island, Texas, the youngest of seven children, and she grew up in Lumberton and other surrounding small Texan cities.

Doniece was preceded in death by son, Gary Jainese; parents, Marshall and Mary Frazier; brothers, Lawrence, Onie, and Raymond; and sisters, Evelyn, Alma Ray, and Laverne.

She is survived by her two daughters, Melinda (Art) Zavala and Renee Jainese, and her six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Michael (Megan) Zavala and his children, Poppy, and Elliott; Corey Zavala and his children, Cierra, Christian, and Viola; Kiara Zavala and her children, Selene and Evan Schwingl; Hannah Schneiderman and her son, Jude; Chloe Schneiderman; and Zachary Schneiderman. Doniece also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, both in the USA and Australia.

As a child, she loved riding her bicycle and visiting her cousins on their farm. Her foundation in her faith was rooted in her childhood, attending church services every Sunday.

One week after her 18th birthday, she married her sweetheart, Wilton “Blackie” Jainese. After a short period of time they moved to Venice Beach, California. Their first child, Gary, was born there, and the family later moved back to Texas, where their daughters Melinda and Renee were born. The Pacific Ocean called them once more, however, and they returned to California, where they bought a home. While there, Doniece worked at TRW, retiring after 25 years.

Doniece and her family were avid travelers, often exploring throughout the United States, including a family road trip to Alaska. As a family, they frequently enjoyed camping and riding dune buggies and motorbikes – Doniece even had a red Honda 90. One of her favorite traveling experiences was later in life - to New England with her son Gary, nephew Wayne, and his late wife Sharon.

She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and trying new recipes. She was famous for her gumbo, which she loved making for her family and which she had enjoyed as a child as prepared by her mother. She took cake decorating classes and had quite a skill for it – there was always cake around to be enjoyed.

Doniece loved movies starring Doris Day, Rock Hudson, James Garner, and Sandra Dee, especially the Tammy movies. Her favorite movie, though, was The Sound of Music. Her favorite snacks included canned peaches, frozen strawberries, toast made on an iron skillet, coffee, and vanilla shakes from McDonald’s.

She enjoyed lifelong friendships with neighbors Mary and Bill Baker, Marriann and Marty, Janice Borque, and her cousins the Maddoxes, as well as her best friends and sisters-in-law, Erline and Pat. She also loved her pets, including dog Shaggy and cat Casper.

A faithful Christian with sparkling green eyes, Doniece served the Lord all the way up to her last breath. She was a devout TBN supporter, loved Jimmy Swaggart, and relished her gospel music. While in California, she attended both the Highland Temple Assembly of God and then the Torrance Assembly of God churches.

Doniece was a devoted grandmother, and she enjoyed spending many Christmas mornings with her grandchildren, as well as attending their sporting events. Full of love, kindness, and warmth, she was the ultimate grandma.

She was a beloved mother, Gammy, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend to all who knew her. Doniece’s memory will live on through her family, to be carried on for generations. She was a wonderful woman who will be missed dearly.

The family would like to thank the staff at New Haven Assisted Memory Care and the hospice staff at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital for the care and compassion they showed Doniece in her final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend services on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home at 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas, 77703.