1951 – 2024

Donna Rankin Whitehead, a beloved resident of Wills Point, peacefully passed away on January 11, 2024, in Dallas at the age of 72. Her funeral services were held Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the New Release Fellowship Baptist Church in Wills Point, with visitation starting two hours prior to the service. A private, immediate family burial followed at Union Grove Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home.

Donna Rose Dewees was born on April 28, 1951, at Baker Clinic in Wills Point, to Truman W. Dewees and Betty Mae Brackeen Dewees. Growing up in the Turner Hayden Community, she graduated from Wills Point High School in the Class of 1969. Donna embarked on a beautiful journey of life with James Randall Rankin, whom she married on March 23, 1967. Together, they were blessed with two children, Rusty and Pam. Sadly, Randy preceded her in death in 1987. Later, Donna found love again and married Wayne Whitehead on May 8, 1990.

Donna was a pillar of strength and generosity in her community. She, along with her friend Nelda Briley, acquired the flower shop in Edgewood in 1999. They brought joy to both the Wills Point and Edgewood communities through their beautiful floral arrangements. Upon selling the flower shop, Donna became the business manager at Hiett’s Ly-Brand Funeral Home, working in all areas of the day-to-day business. Donna was an active member of New Release Fellowship Baptist Church and served on the Van Zandt County Long Term Recovery Group.

Beyond her community service, Donna cherished the simple joys of life. She was a devoted member of the “Bridge Girls,” playing cards with the same group of friends since 1974. Donna’s love for her family was boundless, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Truman and Betty Dewees, and her first husband, Randy Rankin.

She is survived by her loving husband, F. Wayne Whitehead of Wills Point; her son, Rusty Rankin, and wife, Lori, of Canton; her daughter, Pam Emerson, and husband, Wade, of Wills Point; her brothers, Steve Dewees and wife, Mary, Jane of Westville, Florida, and Ronnie Dewees and wife, Dallas, of Westville, Florida. Donna is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Cassie McDaniel and husband,Tyler, Kylie Simmons and husband, Garrett, Rustin Rankin and fiancé, Sheigh Cassidy, and Colton Cook and wife, Hollie, along with bonus grands, Shane King and wife, Jennifer, and Lindy Dodgen and husband, Scott. Her legacy lives on through her great-grandchildren, Rhett McDaniel, Corlee McDaniel, Teagan Simmons, Olivia Simmons, Jo Grace Cook, Madilyn Cook, Kaylee King, Catch King, Hadley Dodgen, and Hayden Dodgen. Donna Rankin Whitehead will be remembered for her faith, warmth and kindness, strength, and the love she shared with everyone around her. May she rest in peace, and may her memory bring comfort and solace to those who knew and loved her .

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to New Release Fellowship Baptist Church or to the Wills Point ISD Education Foundation.