Britt Donnelly

Brittain Donnelly (Britt) passed away peacefully on September 12, 2010. Britt had courageously and admirably fought a 17-year battle with squamous cell carcinoma as a result of Idiopathic T-cell Lymphocytopenia. Born “little, but mighty,” on April 29, 1960, in Odessa, Texas, where she lived until age 13 when her family moved to Midland. Britt was a graduate of Midland High School, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Arkansas School of Law. After law school, Britt moved to Austin where she practiced criminal and family law for many years. Britt was many things: a horsewoman, a pilot, an attorney, and an art collector. She will be remembered as a bright spirit with an infectious sense of humor and keen sense of the absurd.

Many judges, attorneys and courtroom spectators were astounded and amused when this 4’9” spitfire would passionately and energetically rise to any challenge presented to her. Likewise, her friends and family were endeared by the energy and enthusiasm with which she approached all facets of life.

Britt was predeceased by her stepfather, Finley W. Holbrook and nephew Corbett Bishop. She is survived by her mother, Mrs. F.W. Holbrook of Midland, her father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Donnelly of Midland and Santa Fe, brothers David Donnelly of Houston and Richard Donnelly, Jr. and his wife Susan Morris of Austin, stepbrother Tom Sikes of Austin, stepsisters, Liz Caress of Hobbs, Flo Hill of Fort Worth, Rainey Naughton of Fort Worth, aunts Jean Donnelly, Peggy McConnell, and Eleanor Parker, cousins Jan and Joey O’Neill, Robin and Jeanine Donnelly, Art and Linnie Donnelly, Robert and Mary Cocke, DeMaret Childress, Robinson Cocke, Jim Chaney, Jack and Susan Chaney, Mike and Patti McConnell, Connie McConnell, nephews Baker Donnelly and Evan Duncan, and by Britt’s beloved dog, Max.

Britt had many friends throughout her life, including the ones closest to her in the last few years: David Grassbaugh, Don Roberson, and friend since childhood Holly Holt Williamson, and two special friends, who started out as caregivers but ended up as family, Brandon Griffin and Marie Hill.

The family wants to gratefully thank Dr. David Wright of the Blackstock Family Health Center for his extraordinary devotion to Britt and for his never-ending search to help Britt overcome the many challenges and obstacles she faced.

There will be a memorial service at St. David's Episcopal Church in Austin on Wednesday, September 15 at 4:00 p.m., in Bethell Hall. After the service, family and friends will gather at her home.

Additional services for Britt are scheduled for 2:00 pm Friday, September 17, 2010 at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, 1412 West Illinois in Midland.

Britt would be pleased if, in place of flowers, donations were made to Blackstock Family Health Center at 1313 Red River, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78701 or to the charity of your choice.