Donna Wharton 1926-2017
Donna Lou (League-Tolliver) Wharton was born on April 2, 1926, in Wetmore, the oldest of three daughters. Raised by her single mother, Vera League Deese, Donna learned the foundations of her Christian faith and the love and importance of family.
Our GiGi was the epitome of motherhood. She was a tremendous role model for all of the new mothers in her family and a true lady. She always looked her best and yet wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty! Anyone who knew her would tell you that she was the best listener. She was never too old to have as your best girlfriend.
In 1946, Donna married Donald Tolliver, who served our country in World War II. They made their home in Austin, Texas, where they had the first of their three children, Roxanne (Hixson). Their lives took them to San Antonio and Oklahoma City, where their children Claudia (Wilder), and Robert Tolliver were born. They returned to Austin until Don’s death in 1969.
Donna’s professional life in Austin included working at the Darrell Royal Workshop, and she continued her work in the mental health field where she met the love of her life, Dr. Lawrence Wharton.
Donna and Larry rediscovered love and married in 1971. Together, they experienced life in Long Beach, Calif., El Paso, Texas, and then their retirement in Austin and Georgetown, Texas. Donna and Larry told each other “I love you” every day and always answered with “Love You More.”
Together, Donna and Larry cherished God, their three kids, their seven grandkids and their seven great-grandchildren. Donna’s beloved Larry left this Earth on Aug. 18, 2013, and took her back into his arms in Heaven on Friday, July 7, 2017.
Donna was always the first to tell you that she was blessed with a wonderful family. Her family and her legacy includes sisters Jean DeForest and Jewel Heaton; children, Roxanne, Claudia and Bob; grandchildren, Shelley, Jenni, Natalie, Cori, Kelly, Marcus and Matthew; and her great-grandchildren, Reese, Carly, Zachary, Reed, CJ, Eli and Austin; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Estrella Oaks Rehabilitation Center for their care and support, especially Crystal, Tiffany, Jeff, Dara and Maria.
Donna will be inurned next to Larry at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas, on Friday, Aug. 4 in a private ceremony. Donna’s many friends and neighbors are invited to join the family for a celebration of Donna’s life at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5 at Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas.
Donna/Mom/Grandma/GiGi – We Love You More!
You may share a message or memory in the online memorial guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
