Dawn and Elizabeth, It's been just about a month since your precious momma and daughter went to be with Jesus. I decided that now was the best time to post a message of my seven encounters with Donna over the last year or so. She was always quiet with a smile and a hug. I will always remember the last hug she gave me. It was a very compassionate hug that gave me strength. I just think she knew I needed a good hug. That same day she showed me the pretty thing she was crochetting for Zoe as she sat on the floor inside a baby barricade that was meant to keep Zoe from wandering off. She shined as she shared with me about her son Chris and her daughter-in-law Angela and that they were celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary! In my time around her she would only speak if she had something meaningful to say. She and I were really just getting to know one another but I knew she was an amazing woman of loving kindness who leaned on God because of how much I see that same love and strength of character in you Dawn. On the afternoon of my birthday she came and picked you up at your house after the party you gave me to see the new Planet of the Apes movie but made sure to roll down her window and wish me a Happy Birthday with a big smile before driving off. I'm thankful to have watched her playfully interact with Zoe a few times and to also have witnessed the sweet and tender love shared between mother and daughter. With you Elizabeth on Mother's day at church and also half a dozen times with you Dawn. Three generations of amazing women who love Jesus! She supported and watched over her whole family. In her last weeks she even watched over the little ones at Ashford so the kid's pastor could join the service...The night I met Donna was at CHC. It was the one time I led house church and she listened  as I read scripture about Holy Spirit quietly soaking it in...With loving respect I say she was a SUPER-MOM, SUPER-DAUGHTER, SUPER-GRANDMA, SUPER-FRIEND and a SUPER-SURROGATE FOR MANY. Now Donna is eternally celebrating with Jesus. Young! Beautiful! More alive than ever!

We rejoice in the knowledge that she is in the arms of our Lord and Savior! It is us that will cherish her life and memories.  

Making tortillas for lunch at Donna's home after church — with Reggie Tinitia & Hadassah Dodd

I am so, so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. My heart is broken for all of you. She was such an amazing woman and I can still hear her laugh as if she was sitting right next to me. I am thankful for the special memories I have of times spent with her and the laughter we shared all those years ago. Prayers for peace and comfort for you all during this difficult time.

Much love,

Courtney Hankins (Abreu)

My heartfelt condolences for your loss Dawn. Your Ashford Family loves you and we're here for you. May you feel deeply the presence of God during this time. He is with you and will never leave you❤️ Love you.

I met Donna at Houston Faith Church and we became friends. She is a great person. I would always tell her that I'm glad you got to see me! Then she turned the tables on me and would beat me to the punch. My heart goes out to the family. I know that Donna will be missed.

My heart hurts for Dawn, Chris, Ryan, Tammy & Liz.  May my good friend Donna rest in heavenly peace and the Lord keep his arms around all of you. 

Dawn & Ryan- we  are so sending you all of our love. God Bless🫶🏼🕊️✝️

Donna was my one of my last best friends from childhood. She and I shared so many good times together learning about life and of course boys LOL keeping or boy thoughts hidden from our very protective dads was a full time job. 

We had so many dreams and plans for our grown up lives. Have to say thank goodness we went the way God had planned for us and not our own.  

When the Rolls were shipping out to Okinawa Japan I thought my heart would break. I didn’t know how I could live without Donna. She had become such an integral part of our lives. We spent almost every single weekend together at one or the others houses. Staying up way late talking and giggling. We talked to each other every single day.  Okinawa Japan I thought was too far and too long to be apart. d I just knew my life would never be the same without her.  We wrote each other for a while but life and growing up got in the way. Things change as we grow older and life happens to us. We find love, get married have kids and forget about keeping in touch with our childhood friends as much until little by little not at all but I never forgot her. I always thought of her, wondered where she was and if we’d ever see each other again and every time I heard her song Oh Donna, I would cry a little.  When we finally reconnected, via my years long search on facebook, my heart was so full. I was so happy to know that she was doing well. She was happy and she was living the life. God wanted her to live. What more could you want for your friend? I know she’s up there now looking down the one she loves interceding for us, hugging on her daddy and her brothers. She will be missed and I know that she will leave a huge heart in the lives of those that were so close to her.  I pray for all of them that God would give them the comfort and the strength they need to get through this trying time. Rest easy, my dear friend. I love you always.  

The Rolls-Thomas Family last day before moving to Okinawa, Japan — with Gary Rolls, Liz Rolls and Donna Thomas Kopa

I met Donna and her family in Church fellowship.  From the first I've felt grateful just being around her.  I will see her again because our faith in Messiah is eternal.  Psalm 103.

I went to Oak Grove middle for 6th grade. I met Dawn and we became friends. We hung out when we could. I remember having a girls night at the house one time and it was a lot of fun. Donna was very sweet and welcoming, heart of gold. It was certainly a night to remember and will always be in my heart. Condolences for the family. She left a wonderful mark on a lot of ppl. 

What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that I was part of the family.

“My favorite memory of Donna Momma was when we were in highschool and i came over to your house and i gave her a hug, but she wouldn't let go. She said I gave really good hugs and it had been a while since she's had a good one so she made me keep hugging her for what seemed like 5 minutes at the time, but now it was not long enough. I miss her DK. I miss her for you, and i miss her for all of the people she touched and shared her wonderful smile with.”

 - Message from our longest friend, Cody

“When I think of my childhood, so very many of my fondest memories revolve around the Kopa house. I remember everyone referred to your home as Grand Central Station because all of the kids loved hanging out there so much. I think that’s a testament to the wonderful home your mom created for her children. She made everyone feel welcome and was a second mother to many of us, myself included…

I remember hanging out at your house in elementary school, and your mom would drive us around with Spice Girls playing on the cassette player. She always made sure we were entertained and got to be kids.

High school is really where my strongest memories of her come to mind because we really tested her patience during our rebellious years lol. From sneaking out (or trying to) to suckering your uncle Gary into driving us around to house parties, we likely caused her to sprout a few grey hairs. However, Donna’s house always seemed like the safe space. The place we could always come and be kids. The place where the door would always be open. She gave and gave and gave, and I always felt how much she loved everyone around her, especially you and Chris.

I always admire her strength and independence. I know life didn’t hand her the easiest hand, but I can’t think of a woman who handled it with more grace than your mom.

I am so very sorry for your loss. I am ETERNALLY grateful I got to experience my childhood with you, and feel a bit of your mother’s light and love. I know I am a better person for it 🫶

Big hugs to both of you. I can’t imagine how many people have stories similar to mine. There were always a dozen kids at your house back in the day 😂” 

- Message from our childhood friend, Vickie