Donna Lynn Todd

August 8, 1955 - January 29, 2019

Donna Lynn Cartwright Todd went home to our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 Donna was born in Houston, TX to Lynn and Jane Cartwright. She grew up with her brothers, Travis & Johnny, and sister Pam. She attended MacArthur High School. Donna developed many friendships during her school years and several remained strong. Donna met James when she was 14. As their love grew, they married in 1973, later welcoming two daughters. Their love story is one of all times and a favorite of many; especially her children and grand-children. After 10 years together, 10 years divorced, and then together again for over 20 years until James passed away in April 2014, they are now reunited in Heaven where they will remain together for eternity. Donna loved Jesus. She came to know him early in life and was excited to go to Heaven. She was an incredible person to have in your life. She was a problem solver, always ready to help anyone in need. She loved her family and friends hard. She enjoyed spending time talking with those she loved. In her professional life she wore many hats. She was a waitress, a painter, a car-inspector, a hairdresser, a realtor and many other things. She pursed higher education and became a substance abuse counselor where she really enjoyed helping others. She served as a foster parent to many teenage girls. She believed greatly in fostering and enjoyed the opportunity to teach them skills to prepare for the future. She enjoyed being creative and artsy. She was always making things from jewelry to home decor. She had a deep love for Willie Nelson, shopping, iced tea, tulips and all different types of food. She was notorious for arriving fashionably late everywhere she went and never seemed to mind a grand entrance. She lived a spontaneous life with a ready for anything attitude which left her daughters and grand-children with many special memories. She was a fighter who was resilient and strong and wasn’t afraid of anything. When she became ill she constantly reminded her family that Jesus was in control. He had a plan and it wasn’t ours to mess with. She trusted her faith and led her family in faith and not fear. She was truly a wonderful woman and her legacy will live on through her two daughters, granddaughter, and four grandsons. She is survived by her daughter Deanna Marquez and husband Albert, daughter, Jennifer Soto, grandchildren Breanna Canning and husband Toby, Jace Soto, Colby Marquez, Ethan Marquez and Jaden Soto; sister, Pam Hardin and husband Jimmy and numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Donna is preceded in death by her father, Lynn Cartwright; step-mother Ida Cartwright and mother, Jane Cartwright; aunt, Jo Christian; brothers, Travis Cartwright and Johnny Cartwright and the love of her life, her husband, James Todd. She will be forever loved and forever missed.