Donna M. (Cook) Haney went into the arms of her Savior on February 11, 2024.  She was born in Marquez, TX in January of 1944 at her grandparents' home. Her parents, Frank & Lela (Neyland) Cook, and her 3-year-old sister were living in Houston at the time and she joined them there until age 8 when the family moved to Madisonville in order to be closer to relatives in Leon County and to also enjoy the "country" life after living in the big city.  Here the family had room for a few cows, a horse, chickens, pigs, a large garden full of fruits and vegetables and plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors. To "city" girls, it was a dream come true.

She graduated from Madisonville High School and moved back to Houston to attend Business School specializing in a Petroleum Secretarial course before taking her first job with Humble Oil & Refining Co. (now Exxon).  She had the distinction of having the fastest shorthand speed recorded (187 wpm) at the time during her pre-employment testing.  She was also required to obtain her parents' permission to accept the job because she was still a minor (not yet 18).

In 1970, Donna and her family moved to Huntsville where her former husband, Jack Haney, established a private law practice and where they put down roots.  They joined First Baptist Church on Sunday following the move on the preceding day.  She worked at Sam Houston State University for Vice President Ferol Robinson for 5 years and then worked for 23 years as the Pastor's Secretary/Office Manager at First Baptist before retiring in 2011.  After a short "retirement" and after cleaning out all her closets, Donna began volunteering at First Baptist helping out with various office projects even after being diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.  She also served on the Hospitality Ministry Team helping to decorate and prepare/serve meals for numerous church functions, the Baptist Student ministry luncheons on campus at SHSU and other groups.  Most recently, she served on the Strategic Leadership Team, an in-depth study looking at the future of the Church.  In prior years, she also served as Captain of the Flower Committee and worked in Vacation Bible School.  In addition, she volunteered at Huntsville Memorial Hospital (both the old and the new location) for several years.

She is survived by her son, David R. Hall (Randy), her sister, Wanda Weidemann, and husband, Herb, as well as her niece, Cristal, and nephew, Corby.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to First Baptist Church would be welcomed.