Donna Gail (Clements) Mills, age 77, of Honey Grove, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in the city of her birth, Sherman, Texas. As a military spouse, her circle of life and influence extended far beyond Sherman. She skillfully helped her three children and husband, Col. Jimmie Gene Mills (USAF, Ret.), navigate life across six states and his many overseas deployments, all while working as a dedicated teacher.
Donna’s family and friends will greatly miss her warmth, thoughtfulness, and caring nature. She fiercely loved her family and would go the extra mile for anyone who needed her help. She was a fabulous hostess and cook, a consummate professional, and quick to laugh or make a sarcastic retort (often at the same time).
Donna was born to Edgar (E.M.) and Katherine Clements on June 26, 1948, the only daughter and middle child of three. She graduated from S&S Consolidated High School and then earned her bachelor’s degree from East Texas State University (now East Texas A&M) in Commerce, Texas. She obtained her master’s degree in special education from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana.
While serving in Angel Flight in college, she met the love of her life, Jimmie, who was an Air Force ROTC Cadet. They married on August 8, 1969, which began a loving partnership of 57 years. Every year, Donna and Jimmie celebrated their anniversary at Sonic, which held special meaning for the couple.
Her career as a teacher spanned 35 years and countless students. Donna thrived despite all the different teaching certification requirements across states. She taught a range of subjects but eventually focused on special education students (middle school through high school).
In 2001, while living near New Orleans, she earned the Belle Chasse High School Educator of the Year award. This was for a successful School-to-Work program she created for her special education students. Her innovation and leadership gave the kids a sense of purpose and pride.
Donna is survived by her husband and loving children Chandra (C.J.) Hosek and husband Chris, of Austin; Fancy Mills-Knebel and husband Kevin, of Lake Travis; and Major Jimmie D. Mills III (USAF, Ret.) and wife Jennifer Mills of Cartersville, GA. She doted on her three grandchildren: Charley and Cole Mills, and Mills Knebel.
She also leaves behind her two beloved brothers and their families: Gary and Kenna Clements of Pottsboro and daughters Priscilla Clements (husband Chas Chigas), and Shanna Lemons (husband Blake); and Rickie and Kathy Clements of Abilene with daughter Mandi Chase, husband Hunter, and sons Stone and Grant.
On the Mills side, Donna is survived by Jimmie’s three precious sisters Leigh Sharine Scott, Deirdre (DeeDee) Alsup, and Marisa (Missi) Downs (husband Downy), and their children: Bryan Scott, wife Briony, daughter Brilynn, and son Bryson; Ben Alsup, wife Paula, and son Jackson; Andy Alsup and daughter Evey; Dara Williams, husband Zac, and young son Declan; and Dace and Carmen Downs.
She is preceded in death by nephew Brad Scott, her treasured parents, and cherished Father- and Mother-in-Law, Jimmie D. (J.D.) Mills II and Sandra L. Mills of Paris, Texas. When Donna retired from Paris Independent School District in 2013, she became a devoted caretaker for Sandy. Every Wednesday, Parisians may remember them having lunch, going to the library, buying groceries, attending doctor’s appointments, and more.
Donna also loved cats and dogs, many of whom she joins in the great hereafter. She is survived by her dear Maggie, a sweet Lhasa Apso, and numerous walk-on cats.
Despite being on the move for much of her life, Donna was a constant source of love, light, and stability for her family. Godspeed Donna Gail. You are forever loved.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 2:00 p.m. at Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home in Paris, Texas (730 Clarksville Street). Visitation begins at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Cancer Society, SPCA of Texas, or the charity of your choice.
