Donna Jean Rial

1948 - 2024

Donna Jean Rial
08/09/1948 - 02/29/2024
On February 29, 2024, the world lost a little sparkle when Donna Jean Boyd Rial, 75, passed away after a valiant fight against cancer. Donna was born in Houston, TX on August 9, 1948, to Dorothy Powell and Johnny Boyd Jr. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Johnny Boyd III; and former husband, Manuel Rial. She is survived by her children, Monica Rial, Juan Manuel Rial, Miguel Rial; and her "half-daughter", Natalie Rial as well as extended family and her dear childhood friends.
Donna was an angel on Earth. She loved fully and with her whole heart. It didn't matter what race, religion, or economic background someone came from, she saw the person within and loved them wholeheartedly. She was mother to all- not to just her kids but all of their friends. She would organize "get togethers" for the kids of the neighborhood to come by and have a safe place to hang out. She would also encourage everyone to talk about their problems and seek support from their friends. There are many folks who are alive today solely because of Donna's kindness to them when they were teens.
Donna had an eye for beauty and loved to share that beauty with others. She loved any and everything "bedazzled" (or "embezzled" as she would sometimes mistakenly say) and owned so many pretty baubles and bits that jewelry cases were a frequent Christmas gift. She had the most beautiful smile and bright blue eyes that would light up the room whenever she walked in. She was beautiful, gracious, polite, a true lady in every sense. That said, she also had an alter ego named Carmen who was flashy and wild. She also had an amazing sense of humor that kept her going until the very end.
She met the love of her life, Manuel Rial, on a cruise ship where he worked as a maître di. Donna was so smitten she helped Manuel escape the cruise ship and somehow convinced her very strait-laced parents that they should marry. They were married for twenty years but eventually they went their separate ways. This was particularly hard on Donna who never went on to remarry. They remained friends while raising their children, they were still family always. Later in life, Manuel realized the error of his ways, apologized to Donna for the pain he'd caused her, and confessed his love for her. Then Manuel passed on April 27, 2021. Donna always said that Manuel was the love of her life and now we knew that was true for Manuel as well. Their children take comfort in knowing that the two of them are reunited now and enjoying adventures together again.
That and we now have the most incredible guardian angel ever.
A memorial service will be held March 22, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Miller Funeral Chapel, 7723 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77074.
Condolences may be offered at www.millerfuneral.com