J'Donna Lynn Stokes

J’Donna “Donna” Swope Stokes was welcomed into God’s eternal presence on October 10, 2025, ending her courageous battle with cancer after her diagnosis in 2019.

Born on February 15, 1959, to Bill and Ma’Joyce Swope, Donna grew up in Llano, Texas where her strength, energy, and love for life quickly became her trademarks. While attending Llano High School, she was best known for her outstanding athletic achievements. Though her competitive spirit sometimes led to injuries, none ever slowed her down whether in the college rodeo arena or later in her classroom.

After earning her degree from Tarleton State University, Donna began her teaching career in San Antonio before returning home to Llano. There, she devoted more than 25 years to education as both a high school biology teacher and an 8th grade science teacher. Her dedication, humor, and high expectations inspired countless students, many of whom credit her with igniting their curiosity.

Her impact reached far beyond the classroom. When the Llano school district reduced positions, Donna volunteered to move from high school Biology to 8th grade science to help save a fellow teacher’s job. Donna was inducted into the Llano ISD Hall of Fame twice, first in 2014 as a member of the 1976 state track team and again in 2019 with her 1976 relay team.

When she wasn’t teaching, Donna was happiest outdoors; riding her horses, tending to her vegetable garden, sitting on a beach, attending a Bon Jovi concert or feeding oatmeal to her beloved chickens. She approached every task with determination and heart, and she was fiercely loyal to her circle of friends, colleagues, and students.

Donna met the love of her life, Tom Stokes, while attending college. Though he was instantly smitten, her big personality initially intimidated him. Life, however, brought them back together, and Tom made sure not to let her slip away again. They married on July 9, 2015 and made their home on his family ranch outside of Big Lake. Through every challenge, especially her cancer treatments in Houston and San Angelo, Tom remained her steadfast companion and source of strength. He was by her side in her last days.

Donna is survived by her beautiful mother, Ma’Joyce Swope; her devoted husband, Tom Stokes; and a host of cherished friends and former students who have stored up many memories.

Those who knew Donna will remember her grit, her smile, her faith, and her boundless love for life. Her life was a lesson in strength, generosity and perseverance.

The Graveside service will be 2:00 P.M., Friday, October 17, 2025 at Old Runnels Cemetery with Rev. Jacky Stephenson officiating.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Cherokee Home For Children, 13355 TX-16, Cherokee, TX 76832.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.’