Donnie Lee Spear

Donnie Lee Spear went to meet her Lord and Savior on February 7, 2026 at the age of 88. There will be a graveside service at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of Elliott Hamil Funeral Home.

Donnie was born on March 26, 1937, the daughter of George Hood and Mary Elizabeth Wilkins. Her mother passed away shortly after Donnie’s birth. Donnie and her older brother, John Howard Wilkins, went to live with their grandparents, James Isaac (Dad) and Martha Emma (Mama) Wilkins, on their farm in Poolville, Texas. Their father eventually married Iola McClellan Wilkins and Donnie and John moved in with them where Iola helped raise them as her own. Even after their father and Iola divorced, she remained their “Mother” until her death in 2004 at the age of 97.

Donnie had five children of her own: Billy Burns and daughter-in-law Christine of Lago Vista; Brenda Walker of Granbury; Brian Burns and daughter-in-law Sherry of Abilene; Brent Burns and daughter-in-law Elizabeth of Abilene; and Arthur Smith and daughter-in-law Terri of Fort Worth. Donnie married Billy Spear in 1986 and two more were added: Rick Spear and daughter-in-law Wendy of Houston; and Rhonda Duffy and son-in-law Frank of Pickens County, Georgia. Luckily for Donnie and Billy, all the children were grown, allowing them to travel and see the country in their RV.

Donnie worked for several years at the Rose Park Senior Center where she served as Food Service Coordinator. She loved her job and especially loved being around the seniors. She worked there until marrying Billy and decided to retire so they could travel with their Good Sams RV group.

Donnie was proud of all her children, but nothing compared to the love she had for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She cherished time with her family and especially looked forward to the holidays when her home was filled with children.

Donnie was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, her loving husband Billy, who passed away in 2017, her brother John and sister-in-law Gayle; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her children and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, but we are comforted knowing she is with Jesus and reunited with those who went before her, including the mother she never had the chance to know.