Dona Margaret Wallace

Dona Margaret Wallace, beloved wife, mother, educator, artist, traveler, and devoted dog lover, passed away on June 10, 2026.

Dona was born on July 19, 1939, to Don and Pauline ("Polly") Douglas and grew up in the beautiful Lakewood neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and went on to attend Kilgore Junior College in Kilgore, Texas, where she became a Rangerette—a distinction that remained one of the great highlights of her life. Dona was a proud lifelong member of the world-famous dance team and enjoyed celebrating Rangerette reunions and events throughout the years. One of her most treasured experiences was participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. She maintained close friendships with many of her fellow Rangerettes for decades.

While attending Kilgore Junior College, Dona met Gene Wallace, who served as a Rangerette manager. The two fell in love and later married. During Gene's military service, they lived briefly in Wisconsin and Washington before settling in the Houston area, where they built successful careers and raised their two sons, Don Scott and David Kelly.

Dona dedicated 39 years to education in the Houston public school system. She taught second, third, and fourth grades for 23 years before transferring to the art department when an opportunity arose. There, she found her true calling. As an art teacher, Dona inspired generations of young artists and helped countless children discover and develop their creative talents. Her students earned numerous honors, including three Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art championships, as well as awards in the Houston Fire Prevention and Jones Hall Theater art contests.

Her passion for art extended beyond the classroom. Dona painted four murals at her school and, together with several of her students, entered the Houston Cow Parade. Their creation, titled The Few, The Proud, The Moorines, was later sold at auction. The success of the project earned Dona the honor of being named Teacher of the Year. Although she loved teaching, after nearly four decades in education she decided it was time to retire, travel with Gene, and devote more time to her own artistic pursuits.

Travel became one of the great joys of Dona and Gene's retirement years. Together they eventually visited places across the globe, embracing new cultures, experiences, and adventures along the way. When Gene's enthusiasm for extensive travel began to wane, Dona continued exploring the world with her dear friend Jean McKinney. Their friendship began in the 1960s and 1970s when the Wallace, Archer, and McKinney families were neighbors on Bennett Drive. The families remained close throughout the years and continue those friendships to this day.

Dona also enjoyed an active lifestyle. She was an avid tennis player and swimmer. The Wallace family always shared their home with dogs, and Dona especially loved walking them at the nearby Dow complex. She became well known for tending the rose garden at Dow Park, where her diligent weeding earned her the affectionate nickname, "the Weed Fairy."

Above all, Dona will be remembered for her creativity, kindness, adventurous spirit, and unwavering dedication to family, friends, students, and animals. She had a gift for making the world around her more beautiful, whether through art, teaching, gardening, or the friendships she nurtured throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene Wallace, and her son, David Kelly Wallace. After a lifetime devoted to those she loved, we find comfort in imagining their joyful reunion. Dona's memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, students, and all who were touched by her warmth and generosity. She will be missed and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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