January 7, 1958 ~ November 24, 2025 (age 67)
Donnan Singleton Obituary
Mrs. Donnan Lilly Singleton passed away at the age of 67, on Monday, November 24, 2025, in Nacogdoches. She was born on January 7, 1958, in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Donnan and her husband Terry’s love story began in high school and proved that high school sweethearts CAN make it through anything. They spent 47 years supporting each other, loving each other, and rearing their two children, Clint and Claire. Donnan and Terry cherished their life in Nacogdoches and built a community of friends, family, and colleagues, giving back to the community in various ways.
Donnan was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, beloved sister, loving grandmother, aunt, and treasured friend. Donnan loved spending time with Terry, going on cruises together, enjoying concerts, and going out to eat. Her elementary school girlfriends, the self-proclaimed “Poultry Queens”, remained her soul sisters through the decades, bonding over life’s milestones.
Donnan possessed an expansive heart that knew no bounds, consistently placing the needs of others before her own.
Donnan was a cherished daughter and sister. A true “Lilly”, when she was small and had her tonsils taken out, when she awoke, the first thing she said to her Daddy was that she wanted some cornbread. She couldn’t understand why she couldn’t have any, and as any “Lilly” would attest from her days cooking in the kitchen with her beloved paternal grandmother, Bobo (Donnan chose the name), cornbread was a delicacy. Later, as she became the best big sister ever to Vanessa and Jessica, Donnan would cook that cornbread and other specialties from her country kitchen for the entire family to enjoy. No one ever left her house hungry or with an unloved heart.
Donnan and Terry really enjoyed becoming grandparents. When Aria and Anya were born, their worldview shifted to focusing on them. From reading together, playing games, arts and crafts, and sports, there was always something new and interesting to see through the girls’ eyes. All Donnan ever wanted was to have a loving family with Terry, and she manifested that wish with her loving core family and extended family, too.
Throughout her professional life, Donnan remained steadfastly active in serving her community. She loved helping people and gave all her efforts and dedication to ensure others could have a better life. As a skilled nurse technologist, in various physicians’ offices throughout Nacogdoches, at the Stephen F. Austin State University Early Childhood Center, and as a compassionate school nurse’s aide, she poured her energy into ensuring that every person under her care received the attention, comfort, and support they deserved. In her later professional years, she devoted herself to supporting clients at Burke Mental Health Services. Donnan remained steadfastly active in serving her community.
Donnan is survived by her son, Clint Singleton of Nacogdoches; daughter, Claire Singleton of Houston; granddaughters, Aria and Anya Singleton and their mother Cristy of Kyle; father, L. Don Lilly and wife Ana of The Hills; sister Vanessa Lilly Hospeti and husband Dinesh of Friendswood; sister Jessica Lilly of Bremen, Georgia; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Donnan is preceded in death by her husband, Terry Singleton, and mother, Nancy Ruth Burrows.
Funeral service for Donnan Lilly Singleton will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Laird Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 10:00-1l:00 AM on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Laird Funeral Home.
If so moved, donations in memory of Donnan Singleton may be made to NorthPointe Church of God, 3900 Appleby Sand Road, Nacogdoches, 75961, (936) 560-2358, or Burke Mental Health Services, 2001 South Medford Dr., Lufkin, 75901, (936) 639-1141. Please note in the memo the donation in memory of Donnan Singleton.
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