Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Dona Stovall Obituary
Service: 2 p.m. Wednesday in Rosser Funeral Home Chapel. Burial: Rosehill Cemetery in Cleburne. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Rosser Funeral Home.
Miss Stovall was born in Cleburne on April 28, 1931, the daughter of Ola Fay Smith Stovall and Clarence Clyde Stovall.
Dona graduated from Cleburne High School in 1948. She attended TCU and graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1953 and a master's degree in organic chemistry in 1954. She completed additional graduate work in chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, University of Connecticut and Hope College in Michigan. She went on to teach regular, honors, and advanced placement chemistry at Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth for 47 years and was science department chairperson for 18 years. She also taught some summer sessions at TCU and Texas Wesleyan.
Dona's hobbies included reading, music and theater. She loved traveling in the United States and had visited Canada, Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, and Egypt, and had made two trips to the Arctic.
Dona was a member of Westhill Church of Christ and was also a member of the Woman's Club of Fort Worth and Zonta.
She will be missed by her many friends and students.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors: Cousins, Dr. Cecil Frederick of Cleburne and Dr. Durwood Sanders of Longview; her beloved cats, Snowball, Flash, Mischief, Buttons and Spookie; and her dear friend, Gumaro.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dona Stovall
Bill
December 7, 2025
Like Bill Paxton, I'm feeling Ms. Stovall was the best teacher i ever had. She was an all-round wonderful person. RIP
Another Student 1984-1986
April 13, 2008
It was one of the most subtle lessons and she ruthlessly taught it for a solid week of organic chemistry to our class: "Neglect X"
Sometimes, in context, the value of you are seeking is so small as to be negligible in the bigger pursuit of X elsewhere.
So applicable in so many other situations. Thank you, Miss Stovall. I have never forgotten this lesson of context and relativity.
Frank Sullivan
December 6, 2007
Judge Frank Sullivan--'65
If it hadn't been for Ms. Stovall, I'd probably STILL be sitting in chemistry! Through the years I spoke with her several times. MANY of us will miss her and carry her in our hearts.
Mary Moralez-Silva
November 28, 2007
Miss Stovall had a great impact on me during high school (Class of 1990). She was the kind of teacher that you really wanted to do well for in class. I remember that I was having trouble completing a research paper due to family problems. She was understanding and let me present it late to her alone in the classroom. She was fair and taught me that even if things do not go perfectly in life, you have to do the best you can and everything will be okay.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Pamela Beasley
November 20, 2007
I will always remember the night I first met Dona. It was at our first gathering to honor John Denver, one month after his death. It was held in a park in Plano and it was the first really cold night of the season. In the years since, I had so many times to visit with her. John Denver wasn't our only common interest. .... many years of school teaching, cats, and..... Dona, I will miss our conversations. God bless and now John will be able to sing you the songs he promised.
DIONISIA BUCHANAN
November 19, 2007
I HAD THE HONOR OF HAVING MS STOVALL FOR CHEMISTRY AT AHHS 79-80. SHE WAS ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED EDUCATORS THAT I HAVE EVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY OF STUDYING UNDER. A STRICT DISCIPLINARIAN THAT HAD THE UNIQUE GIFT OF MAKING ANY STUDENT FEEL AS IF THEY COULD ACHEIVE ANYTHING. STUDENTS TODAY THAT HAVE NOT HAD THAT KIND OF TEACHER TRULY MISSED A GIFT.
Caroline James
November 19, 2007
I was fortunate enough to have Ms. Stovall my junior year and have to say I a very thankful for taking the class. She was one of my toughest teachers but I learned the most from her both school work and in life. Arlington Heights has lost a wonderful teacher in its history
Judy Gans
November 16, 2007
When we moved back to Fort Worth, I was about to start my senior year and was only two credits short of graduating. As one was required to take five classes, I ended up with chemistry and Miss Stovall. She was the toughest teacher I ever had, but a few years later, when I taught for a short time at Heights, I saw such warmth and kindness from her. As legends do, she tied the history of so many of us to each other and to her.
Judy Smith Gans, Class of '69
Don Bishop
November 16, 2007
Dona Lee was a gud friend to me for several years. She was a memb er of the Stovall Family Assn during the time I was its VP. She later agreed to assume this position. I helped her find her Stovall lineage when I first met her thru Lyle K Williams of Ft Worth. She will be missed by all of us.
Don Bishop
21 Flem Phillips Rd
Laurel, Ms. 39443
Kay Ward Davis
November 16, 2007
Although I was too scared to take chemistry at Heights, I loved Ms. Stovall and was with her often in the activities of FTA (Future Teachers of America). She was brilliant, fun, and funny. She was a breath of fresh air to the organization which was ably led by two aging teachers. Ms. Stovall influenced many regardless of whether it was in class or out of class. Yes, I did become a teacher and later a school counselor, but I could have never lasted as long in the profession as she did. She was a great mentor and example -- as a teacher, leader, friend, and wholesome person. She'll be missed by many.
OFD
November 15, 2007
I went to Heights but didn't take chemistry. I was not smart enough HOWEVER, my oldest brother took chemistry and is now a professor of chemistry (PhD) and credits Dona Stovall with pointing him in that direction. She made a difference.
Elaine Lambert
November 15, 2007
I loved having Mrs. Stovall as my chemistry teacher. She was tough, but she knew her subject and was always fair. I admired her and remember her as one of my favorite teachers.
Clarice Eubank
November 15, 2007
Although I was privileged to know Dona Stovall about a year, I knew I had met someone great. She joined the '93 Club (which if part of the Fort Worth Woman's Club) in 2006. In that short time, she made her presence known in so many positive ways. I will greatly miss her winning smile, sense of humor, and intelligent reasoning. I especially enjoyed her telling me all about her family house and Cleburne. My deepest condolences to all her loved ones. Clarice Eubank
Bob Harris
November 15, 2007
I was very saddened today to learn of the passing of Ms. Stovall. She was my favorite teacher in high school, and I visited with her many times over the years following graduation. She taught me well in chemistry in 1961 and 1962, and even had me serve, to my great pleasure, as her lab assistant my senior year. I had planned to stop by and see her on a trip back to Texas this month. She will be greatly missed by all who were so fortunate as to not only get to know her, but become her friend as well. She will be in my memories forever.
Anne Abshire
November 14, 2007
I did not have Mrs. Stoval, but my husband did. She was a very good teacher, and touched the lives of many children. She will be missed.
Dan Ricker
November 14, 2007
Ms.Stovall was an incredible teacher. I was blessed to have her as a teacher at Arlington Heights (class of 1988). I was happy to see her again when I moved from Fort Worth to cleburne. We both shared the passion of History!
Lynda Ballard, Ph.D.
November 14, 2007
It was a true honor to have been in the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International with Dona Lee. She was always a sister who brought happiness and delight when I was able to visit with her. I sat next to her at our October 2007 initiation banquet this year and was entertained with her anecdotes about her cats as well as her elementary years at Irving Elementary School in Cleburne. I will miss her.
Rudolph Pulido
November 14, 2007
I was fortunate to of had Miss Stovall back in 1987. When I was ready to throw in the towel at mid semester, she held on to me and wouldn't let me go. She was there for our graduation. After college I returned to AHHS to substitute and ended up helping her to return the favor.
Jennifer (Walton - maiden) Halpenny
November 14, 2007
I took chemistry from Ms. Stovall, (maybe around '69 or '70?) as well as some of my husband's siblings. Then years later two of my children took chemistry from her and I was amazed how little she had changed! Not many people can say they taught as many years as she did. Please accept my sympathies, & many prayers for comfort to the family.
Michele Harris
November 14, 2007
I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with Ms. Stovall through my job. She always had a funny story to tell when she would stop by the office and she was wealth of information about Cleburne history. She will be greatly missed.
Brenda Bostick
November 14, 2007
I met Ms Stovall through my employment with a lawn care company. I later found out she had taught my husband high school chemistry. Then she offered to tutor our daughter. She was a great story teller and I very much enjoyed her visits with me. Sleep sweet, Ms. Stovall.
LaFaye (Cunningham) Sutkin
November 14, 2007
Dona Stovall taught me Biology and Chemistry, and she introduced me to these subjects in a way that made me love them.
I was also her TA, and enjoyed her on a personal level. We remained in contact for a few years, and I considered her a friend.
I regret that I did not contact her on those recent occasions when I thought about it.
She contributed a lot to many young people, and, I'm certain, she will be missed by many.
I'm glad to have known her.
Class of 1960
Rick Johnson
November 14, 2007
She was an outstanding teacher and will be missed.
James McLain
November 13, 2007
Dona Stovall was probably the finest amongst numerous outstanding teachers I had while attending Heights. At the time I somewhat resented how demanding and challenging she was (I had to work on a halogen outline throughout spring break of my soph. year & constantly had to attend early lab, for example), but I sincerely believe the discipline and work ethic gained in taking Chemistry for two years strongly aided me later at Baylor & the University of Texas even though I did not major in a scientific field. She was simply interested in your success in life after you took her classes, and I will always hold her memory in the highest regard.
James McLain, Class of 1983.
Joe Lee Burns
November 13, 2007
I remember very well the things she taught me in HS chemistry.
My thanks to her and condolences to family and friends.
Joe Lee Burns, AHHS 1959
Katherine Hite
November 13, 2007
I first met Miss Stovall when I was working on designs for a John Denver Memorial. My love for the musician drew her to me with stories and joy at having taught him. I found a true friend in her and will miss the connection to John. I had hoped to find her before she moved on to her heavenly rewards, but alas it was not meant to be. Miss Stovall, may God hold you in the palm of his hands forever. I will truely miss you. Love your time you shared with me.
Roberta Poling Sajda
November 13, 2007
To a fine educator, Dona Stovall, who made AHHS the outstanding high school it is, thank you. I am so proud of Miss Stovall's gift to the students who studied there. As a AHHS graduate who taught art for 29 years, I am overwhelmed by her 47 years of service.
Stephen Anderson
November 13, 2007
Stephen Anderson, Class of 1959
E Hehs
November 13, 2007
I didn't want to take high school chemistry. My father made me sign up for it...
Stovall was THE chemistry teacher at Heights. Herbert Joe and I formed an advanced chemistry class with Stovall in the 78/79 school year. I went on to become certified to teach high school chemistry and taught in Austin for a couple of years.
Great memories. Tough teacher. Respected by all. Thanks, dad.
E Hehs (1979).
Calrla Mason Gilbert
November 13, 2007
Miss Stovall and I shared the same birthday 10 years apart. I adored her classes and she made science come alive. I attribute her classes to my ever growing love of biology and botony. I have never forgotten that first frog I dissected!
Brian Meek
November 13, 2007
Ms Stovall was a legend in our house and a great high school memory from the early 80's for my older sister and me.
Marty Bowen
November 13, 2007
I was a student of Ms. Stovall and although she was one of the most demanding of teachers I ever had, she was also one of the best. She really prepared me for life and for that I am eternally grateful.
kEN cASTEN
November 13, 2007
KEN CASTEN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS CLASS OF 1966
Judy Brunn
November 13, 2007
I was an ADK member with Dona and also knew her through the teaching profession. May I express my sympathy. Judy Brunn
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in Dona Stovall's name
Memorial Events
for Dona Stovall
People and places connected with Dona
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Dona's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Dona Stovall's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
