"Craig, I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you are in my prayers. Take solace that as the days pass, your heart will be full of fond memories of your life together and you will smile when thinking of them."
In loving memory of
Donna Perle Parker
March 24, 1960 - October 3, 2007
Donna Perle Parker, 47, died October 3rd in Austin after a bare-knuckle, knock-down fight with cancer. Donna mastered every venture upon which she set her tenacious mind, a varied collection of activities that included barrel racing, cheerleading, flute playing, language arts, acting, graduate studies, and eventually, real estate.Born in Austin on March 24, 1960, the second child and only daughter of Donald B. and Kathryn Raatz Parker, Donna grew up in Travis Heights near Big Stacy pool and attended Travis Heights Elementary (Mrs. Perry's 1st grade class) until she graduated from 6th grade in 1972. That year, the family moved near Creedmoor.Attending Del Valle Jr. High during the day, Donna took riding lessons in the evening. At age twelve she competed in statewide rodeo contests, at one point ranking 3rd in barrel racing and 7th in poles in Texas. Once she started Del Valle High School, she joined the band, competing in UIL contests in the flute. During the sophomore year she persuaded her mother to pay for private gymnastics lessons until she could flip end over end, and walk belly-up like a crab. The next year, Donna joined five other impossibly limber teenagers in the cheerleading squad.Donna's exceptional grades in high school earned her a seat in the National Honor Society each year. She also served two years on the Student Council and as class secretary. Twice elected class favorite, Donna was chosen Junior Homecoming Queen, and in her senior year, named Band Sweetheart and Miss Del Valle 1978.During High School, Donna attended an International Flute master class in Ramsgate, England. Back home, Donna started her college trek at North Texas State University in Denton on a $500 scholarship from Tim Dorsett of Dorsett Ditching. Transferring to UT Austin, Donna majored in French. Donna was a Junior Abroad Recipient and studied at University of Nice, France. Upon returning to the States in 1984, she visited a friend in Washington, DC and decided to extend her stay a few months. To help pay rent, Donna took a temp job with a translating service that placed her at the World Bank in the West African Department. Then, on a lark, she auditioned and won a role in a Terrace theatre production at the Kennedy Center. It was only her second time on stage. She departed the nation's capitol in October 1984 to tour with the Sweet Adeline's, an acappella choral group that toured the Midwest and ended in Las Vegas at a national competition. In addition to her acting and singing, Donna was a songwriter and received the award for Best Bar Room Song in the Austin Music Awards. She received a BA in French in 1986.In October 1987 Donna's hairdresser arranged a blind date with one of her other customers, "a nice young man" named Craig Harris. They met for the first time over lunch and soon began dating. After holding off for years, Donna found her perfect mate. Craig matched her in charm, intelligence, wit, personality, business sense and ambition. They married June 1989 and eventually settled in Creedmoor where Donna had a menagerie of horses, dogs and cats.The following year she returned to the American Studies program at the University of Texas. She wrote two masters thesis: the first one she shoved in her closet when her thesis advisors couldn't stop arguing; the second she pounded out in record time, earning her Masters Degree in May 1992. After successfully completing her orals exam, she was admitted to candidacy for her PhD in American studies in 1993, whereon she assessed her prospects and potential pay as an English professor and abruptly switched gears.Donna breezed through her real estate courses and joined Coldwell Banker in 1993. Two years later she moved to Keller Williams Realty. Donna excelled in Real Estate, ranking Top 20 Elite for all of her production years at Keller Williams. Donna also obtained her Broker's
Tributes
"Hello Craig, Remember very well seeing you not that many months ago in Seton Hospital. Bert tells me you have been quite a hero, such a faithful husband through it all. That speaks so highly of your integrity and character. Please accept my sincere sympathies. Donna was such a delight, a bright star really. I hope you're doing OK. Lynn Denton"
"Craig, I'm so sorry to hear about Donna's passing. My Dad relayed the information to me here in Wisconsin. I always enjoyed both of you when we went to KW Conventions. She was always a bright shining sun when you saw her, her quick smile, it just warmed my heart. It's a blessing that she's no longer suffering and can look down on all of us with a smile still on her face. I will definitely miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Feel blessed that you had such a wonderful partner in life!!! You're in my thoughts- Jennifer Gurley Werner"
"Craig, I am so sorry that I did not hear of Donna's death until several days later. I treasure the opportunity that I have had to get to know you both through your purchase of your Lockhart property. What an inspiration you have both been to so many people that you touched with your upbeat confidence, humor and love of life and each other. May God give you peace and comfort. Our prayers are with you. Loraine Harrison"
"Donna Parker easily comes to mind whenever we reminisce about our days at Del Valle High School. Her friendly nature and bright smile made it so easy to like her. There was something special about her that made her stand out from everyone else. Her ease in touching people in a positive way is something that we remember still to this day. The fact that Donna Parker experienced so much in her forty-seven short years is incredible and also an inspiration! She has left us with a reminder to embrace life, living it to its fullest, making each day matter with no regrets. Her kind and loving spirit will serve as an example for us to strive for. She will be truly missed by many and remembered by us all. Donna Parker will always be a treasured memory for both of us from our time at Del Valle High School. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her beloved family at this difficult time. May God Bless and Comfort You. With deepest sympathy, Dan & Cindy"
"I loved her laugh and the sparkle in her eyes!It seemed like the foibles of the human race really tickled her! She was the most knowledgeable person I knew in real estate and was always available to advise me. Even after I left KW, Donna was the person I called for expertise. She gave of herself unstintingly. When I needed her and could not immediately locate her, I simply went to Luby's where she was enjoying the LuAnn. A great Light and a great Heart have left this earth. Thank-you, Donna, for your presence on this earth!!!!"
"We just heard about Donna's death as we were out of town. We were happy to have seen her two weeks ago at Seton, but our memories see Donna (and Craig) at the Sunset Valley Luby's and selling our home in south Austin/buying our home at Georgetown in Sun City. Donna and Craig were the perfect team...love, communication, and hard work. Our visits were always fun and upbeat and we left them HAPPY. Although the miles between Creedmoor and Georgetown plus busy schedules lessened those times together our warmest memories remain. Love and sincere sympathy from two friends who share your loss... Vaya Con Dios, Jim and Marilyn DeWalt"
"Craig, My deepest condolences to you during this time. It was a beautiful service. Will be keeping you in my thoughts. Emily"
"Dear Craig, I was so saddened to hear about Donna. She was a wonderful person who lit up every room she entered. Getting to know her in graduate school was such a joy. I wish you peace and know that Donna loved you very much. Warmest Regards, Lisa Rhodes"
"Craig & Kathryn --- So sorry to hear of Donna's passing. Please know that we are praying for your comfort, peace and that the Lord will strengthen you during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy. With Love, the Toblers"
"We attended Del Valle High School together- Donna was a beautiful, gracious, spirited and talented person. What a blessing she was to those who knew her."
"Donna, we live out of town and just saw the newspaper yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you on your great loss. more later."
"My heartfelt sympathy to Donna's family. I attended DVHS from 1974-1978. I remember Donna as a very kind person. I cannot convey the sadness I felt when I saw her photo in the paper Sunday morning. My prayers and thougts to the family."
"Craig, Pat and I are so sorry to hear about Donna. We know what a fight she put up from having seen you both at the cancer center. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, pat and wanda"
"Our sweet Donna will be sorely missed by everyone as was seen by the sheer numbers in attendance at her service yesterday. Craig and Mrs. Parker, there are no words to bring her back, just remember her loving spirit as you go through each new day. Robin"
"To Craig and family, Donna was my real estate agent. She helped me sell my house, buy a new one, and helped me sell my father's house during a time of great duress. She was a very dynamic person, and had such business savvy I can't describe---I suspect that's what made her so successful. For what little I really knew about her, one could tell she was humorous, thoughtful, and caring. God be with you all in these times. Take care--my blessings to you all."
"Donna Parker was the cutest girl in our 1st grade class at Travis Heights Elementary Her photo is just as I remember her. Sweet and Happy. My condolences go out to all of Donna's family and friends. Adrian Campos"
"I first met Donna in 1974 at Del Valle Middle School and knew her thru the end of my Jr year when my father retired from USAF and our family relocated to Ohio. I last saw her at the DVHS Class of '78 20-year reunion in Oct 1998. I remember Donna as a barrel racer and cheerleader, but most of all as a kind and generous soul; even at such a young age she was gracious to all who knew her, regardless of "clique" status, all-so-important back then. Loss of such a bright light will be felt for all time. Thank you for the beautiful obituary that captures all her many achievements. She did in 47 short years what many only dream about in longer lives on this Earth. My deepest sympathies go out to her husband, family, and friends."
"I saw Donna's beautiful tribute in the paper. I remember Donna well from grade school but I did not keep up with her later. It was enlightening to read how much she had accomplished over the years. I remember going to a birthday party at her house when we were young - a swimming party - it was freezing!"
"Craig, How sad I was to open the paper and see a face I remember so well. I am so sorry to hear of Donna's passing, you may not remember me but my sister Lee was going thru chemo when we first met you and Donna, you were the kindest people. From the outside I would listen to Lee and Donna talk as they marvelled over having the same surgeon Dr. Jones and Dr. Loukas. I lost my little sister August of 05 (She was 43) and have often thought about Donna and how she was. I remember so vividly her talking about her "animals". I am so sorry I did not have the opportunity to get to know her better. Please accept my deepest condolances and to her Mother as well. May you find peace, as I did in knowing that their suffering has ceased to exist and that they are forever at peace. Margarida Birge"
"Donna was such a dear and special person. She will be greatly missed by all who knew, loved, and admired her. Please know that all of you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you during this difficult time."
"Craig and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. God's peace and love. Your friends at Ratliff's, Patsye, Bryant, Kathy, Curtis and Trey"
"Craig and Kathryn: Sorry we won't be able to attend the services, but are thinking of you. Donna was such a special person, as you both are. Connie & Jimmy"
"I taught ninth grade English to Donna, and she was so humble. She was so quiet around me--but she told me about her barrel racing. Also she took me and my husband to see her parents and her menagerie at home. I leave these scripture passages for comfort: Ps55:22 Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself; And he himself will sustain you...But as for me, I shall trust in you."
"Howard and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Although we only had one fun visit with Donna, we sensed that her warm personality was generated from an incredibile woman. We won't be able to attend the service, but you will be in our prayers. May God bless all of you. Yvonne"
"I am so very saddened by Donna's passing. I have a special place in my heart for her. I knew her when we were all quite young and I will cherish those memories. My Love and Prayers are with the entire family. Huge hug to Kathryn."
"Dear Kathy & Craig, I have had the privilege of knowing Donna and the two of you for the past several years as you handled real estate business in Caldwell County. Donna's constant optimism and positive attitude in the face of her ongoing battle with cancer were a marvelous gift that she poured onto everyone she met. I feel blessed to have known her, if only briefly."
"We went to school with her at Del Valle. Frank remembers having classes in Jr. High with Donna We remember her sweet personality. She was always positive and pleasant to be around. She never had anything negative to say about anybody. We are deeply saddened by her early passing. The Billy Joel song, Only the Good Die Young, comes to our minds at this time. We're sorry for your loss. Frank and Ellen (Rohr) Hendrix"
"Donna even if we could not see us each other as often as we wanted to do we always thought to you. We always remember about your smile your good mnind always smiling and laughing very helpful and generous with other thinking always to everybody. We will cherish our souvenir about your stay in France and in Florida and our stay with you in Austin. We love you so much. Lots of love. Craig and Kathy and all your family we are with you by the thought in these hard days."
"Donna even if we could not see us each other as often as we wanted to do we always thought to you. We always remember about your smile your good mnind always smiling and laughing very helpful and generous with other thinking always to everybody. We will cherish our souvenir about your stay in France and in Florida and our stay with you in Austin. We love you so much. Lots of love. Craig and Kathy and all your family we are with you by the thought in these hard days."
"I met Donna at North Texas State. I only had a glimpse of her personality and potential. She did more than most people in her short life. May God comfort her family and friends."
"I never really knew Donna in school--never had a class with her. I only knew her as that really spunky little cheerleader that everyone seemed to love. In the past two years we have become acquainted through our e-mail group of Del Valle alumni. I can honestly say that I wish I had known Donna back in high school. I think I would have been amazed by her. As I read all the wonderful things she did in her life, I am in awe. She was very talented. I'm grateful to have learned more about her. I know she touched the lives of those who loved her. What I have learned about her in the last two years will remain with me for a lifetime. My prayers will continue to be with her family--especially her wonderful, devoted husband, Craig. May you all find peace and comfort in the love expressed by friends and the prayers raised up in your behalf. With greatest sympathy. Beth Lambert Barney, GA DV Class of 78'"