Donna Kay Carter

Donna passed away peacefully in the arms of her son at 2:00 a.m. on February 23, 2026, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Born in Booneville, MS, to the late Travis Willis Sr. and Bobbie Willis, Donna was a 1979 graduate of Trinity Christian Academy. Throughout her life, she was a dedicated worker, holding various roles ranging from housekeeping to factory work.

Our mother lived a challenging life—one that might have broken many—but we most admired her incredible resilience. No matter how many times life knocked her down, she persisted with a strength that defined her character.

A lifelong animal lover, Donna cared for a true menagerie of pets over the years, though her dogs held a particularly special place in her heart. She was a "bleeding heart" for strays and rarely, if ever, turned away a dog in need.

Donna was a natural jokester, known for being outrageously silly. She cherished her routine of having lunch with her son-in-law, David, where they would crack jokes and laugh until their sides ached. She also loved joining him to pick up her grandchildren from school. As a devoted "Nana," she was a fixture at every game, concert, and award ceremony; her cheers were always the loudest in the crowd. At home, she shared a love for true crime with her daughter, and the two spent many hours watching Donna’s favorite show, Bones, together.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Travis Willis Sr. and Bobbie Willis. She is survived by:

• Her children: Donnielle Tyner and spouse David; John Carter and partner Savana Willoughby.

• Her grandchildren: Asher and Erin Tyner.

• Her brother: Travis Willis Jr. and spouse Emma.

• Her nephews: Travis III, Sean, James, Matthew, and Liam.