Donna Ray Lené, 76, of Waco, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2023, in Waco.
Visitation: 5 – 7pm Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Lake Shore Funeral Home.
Funeral Service: 10am Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Parkview Baptist Church, 1100 E. Lakeshore Drive in Waco. Burial will follow at Bosqueville Cemetery.
Donna was born December 10, 1946, in Waco to Juanita and Ray Hamilton. She was raised in Waco and graduated from University High School in 1965, where she was an active student and member of the Highlighter Drill Team, National Honor Society, Junior Miss, Student Council, Girls Athletic Association and many other clubs and organizations. Growing up, she was a devoted member of Faith Tabernacle Assembly of God in Waco, where she enjoyed serving in Youth Group as CA (Christ’s Ambassador).
Donna was married for 58 years to the love of her life, Tommy Lené III, of China Spring. Together they established strong roots to build a life in China Spring and, in their later years, Waco. Donna most appreciated time spent with her family, her church family, and her wonderful friends. Some of her fondest memories include those spent on vacation with her loved ones, and any opportunity to spend with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Donna stayed home with her children, Tommy, Lisa, and Candace, until they reached school age. She then started a career at Waco ISD, working in Administration. She went on to work for Baylor University where she enjoyed working in the Budget Office, then later in the Controller’s Office. Donna made lifelong friends at Baylor, retiring after 21 years.
Donna loved the Lord and lived by His Word. She was an integral and valued member at Parkview Baptist Church. Throughout her life, she has taken on, and been fulfilled by, many roles of leadership in the churches she has served. Some of those positions include Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, AWANA leader, WINGS (Women in God’s Service), and many more.
Donna’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of those she leaves behind husband, Tom Lené, III of Waco; sister, Bonnie Hamilton Tennison and husband Raymond of Robinson; son, Tommy Lené, IV and wife Sandra of Waco; daughters, Lisa Partlow of Waco, and Candace Smythe and husband Mark of Southlake; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many extended family members who love her dearly.
Memorial donations may be made to Care Net Waco.
Place of Service: Parkview Baptist Church , 1100 East Lake Shore Drive; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Donna was such a sweet lady. She will rest in Peace in Heaven now.
To Donna’s family,
I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a wonderful friend. When I adopted my great grandchildren, she helped arrange a shower for us. She didn’t stop at that. One day she showed up at my house with Blue Bell Ice Cream and Dr. Pepper and asked if anyone wanted an ice cream float
I love you Donna for everything you are to me and my family.
Forever in my thoughts,
Nancy Schreiber
So sorry to hear about Donna’s passing. I have so many great memories of growing up with Donna. And I have appreciated her and Tom being such a blessing to my mother in recent years. Our prayers are with Tom and the family. May God be near and comfort you in this difficult time. My Mother Ruby Watkins also sends her prayers. Donna will be greatly missed.
Until we meet again, Rest in Peace my sister.
I am so sorry for your loss,Tommy,you and your family ar3 in my thoughts and prayers.God bless all of you.
Our deepest condolences and prayers for the whole family. Donna was a precious soul,loving mother, wife,sister ,grandmother and friend. God bless each of you. SINCERELY Grant and Nancy Freeman..
Abilene, Texas
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Tom and Donna at Parkview Baptist Church in the AWANA ministry. We that knew her will miss her;but know that she is completely healed. May God’s grace comfort the family in the days ahead. 🙏
What a sweet lady Donna was. My prayers and thoughts to the family.
10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Proverbs 31
SHE WAS ONE OF THESE !!!
Bonnie, We are so sorry for your loss! Tommy & Susan Goss
My nearly twenty-nine years working at Baylor would not have been nearly so wonderful had it not been for Donna. She was a friend early on and remained so. One of the kindest people I have ever known. I will miss her dearly.
So sorry to hear about Donna. She was a dear lady that we loved. No longer able to travel to attend but our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
What a lovely friend and coworker at Baylor. She made a positive difference in my life.
Donna was a wonderful friend and coworker in the Baylor Controller’s Office. I cherish the time we worked together. She was always on top of everything and was most helpful. She was a faithful Christian woman who brought sunshine to everyone.
Tom and family, you are in our prayers for comfort and peace for the days ahead. We loved Donna from the first time we met as next door neighbors in Eagle Canyon and later attending church together at Bosqueville Baptist Church. What great memories we have of those days. Donna was one of the kindest and sweetest souls we’ve ever known and will be greatly missed. Tom we love you and will be in touch, Blessings, Debbie and Bob Ballew
Condolences to Tom , Tommy, Lisa and Candence. Prayers are with you for peace and comfort at this time and the days ahead. I have such fond memories of all of us moms as we cheered on our softball girls with Tom as their coach. Since we both were “shorties,” we loved comparing “heights” whenever we saw each other. Donna was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known – and always with a smile on her beautiful face. A special angel has just entered the gates of heaven.
Our memories of Donna in our young teen years are filled with her sweet smiles at Church in the CA’s. Donna’s family lived close to my husband’s family and my Mother-in-law, Bobbi was so saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. Heaven’s gain was this world’s loss when Donna went to be with Jesus. Our prayers are for all her family to be comforted by the fact that we will see her again one day soon.
My heart is heavy. I was told tonight and i am truly in tears. Mr. Lene and family, you are in my deepest thoughts and prayers. My Condolences to you. With Love. Janice Gill and family.