Ms. Donna Harrell Phenix

Donna Harrell Phenix, 70, of Rockwall, formerly of Henderson, passed from this life on December 10, 2025, in Rockwall. She was born on January 1, 1955, in Tacoma, Washington, at Madigan Army Hospital to William White and Dorothy White. She grew up in Baytown, Texas, alongside her brother, Larry White. Donna graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1973 before attending Lee College. She later earned her Bachelor of Arts in Teaching with a Kindergarten endorsement from Sam Houston State University in 1978.

Donna devoted 33 years to education, teaching kindergarten through fifth grade in Houston ISD, Corpus Christi ISD, and Henderson ISD. During her career, she was honored as Northside Intermediate School Teacher of the Year (1997–98) and Texas Scholar Elementary Teacher of the Year, Class of 2002-awards voted on by students who admired her deeply. She retired early due to health issues.

Donna was active in several organizations throughout her life, including the Order of Rainbow, Order of the Eastern Star, and professional teaching organizations. Outside of teaching, she enjoyed sewing, crafting, genealogy, and traveling.

Donna is survived by her children, Jennifer Warren and husband Brad of Royse City, TX, and Michael Harrell and wife Kristi of League City, TX. She was a proud grandmother to Harper Warren, Lillian Warren, Ella Warren, Norah Warren and Hollis Warren, as well as grandsons Graham Harrell and Connor Harrell.

She is also survived by her brother Larry White and wife Sherry of Baytown, TX, along with two nephews, one niece, and four cousins.

Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy White, and her father, William White, as well as her grandparents, Dottie and Gladys Pinkerton of Minden, TX, and Horace and Bernice White of Brachfield, TX.

The family will receive friends from 12 - 1 PM on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in the chapel at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow the visitation at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, at Maple Grove Cemetery with David White officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Michael Harrell, Brad Warren, David White, Larry White, Graham Harrell, Connor Harrell, and James Harrell.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.