Donna Campbell Davis

Donna Jean Davis, 78, of Florence, Texas, peacefully passed away on Feb. 3, 2026. Known for her steadfast and loyal spirit, she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Born in Sherman, Texas, to Robert Lee Campbell, Jr., and Jean Louise Campbell (Hutson), Donna was the oldest with three siblings: Glenna Louise (Patton), Robert Lee Campbell III, and Martha Ruth (Heilman). She married her biggest fan and soulmate, Melvin "David" Davis-twice-reflecting a bond that endured and found its way back. Kindred spirits in more ways than one, they shared a deep loyalty to their alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin.

In 1976, Donna struck out, undaunted, to California on her own, seeking a golfing career with only $300 beneath the floor mat of an ugly brown Monte Carlo that she named "Abe." After what she called a time of "memorizing scripture for a shot over water, a putt for money, and a place to stay that she could afford," she qualified for the LPGA tour in 1979. Before ending her golfing career to become David's caretaker after a near death accident in 1980, she accomplished a 3rd place LPGA finish.

Over the next 31 years, she became a beloved middle school, 6th grade, English teacher and teacher mentor, a published writer, and an avid reader, while continuing to golf regularly. Anyone who knows what it is like to teach 6th graders will understand the patience and love that Donna possessed and the passion and creativity it takes to make reading and writing come alive for young students.

She enjoyed retirement, connecting with friends, continuing to golf, leading book club discussions, and spending time with family. She is remembered for her fierce independence, free-thinking, and depth of conversation that ranged from literature to life's hardest questions; her excellent cooking (her venison steaks were "to die for," to borrow one of Donna's phrases); and her ability to beat you at a card game was second to none. She believed in speaking honestly and staying loyal to the people and passions that mattered. Above all, she was unapologetically herself.

She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; siblings; and nephew, Nathan Wayne Patton. She is mourned by her many friends and family, including nieces and nephews: Candice Heilman Michalek, Thomas Garrett Patton, Robert Shea Patton, Tracey Renee Duffeck (Heilman), Joseph Robert Heilman; and great-nephews and nieces: Jared Campbell Ross, Zoe Elise Patton, Joanna Renee Ross, Madison Leigh Patton, Major Shelton Patton, Lola Marie Patton, Robert Shea Patton, Jr., Fiona Lee Heilman, Sebastian Manu.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9th, 2026 in the Chapel of Ramsey Funeral Home. 5600 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78633.