Donna Charlene (Brent) Chicoine

Donna Charlene (Brent) Chicoine was born on August 27, 1944 in Kennard, Texas to the late Wesley and Reba (English) Brent, and passed into heaven peacefully at home in Etoile, Texas on December 1, 2024.

Donna graduated from Crockett High School in 1962 and furthered her education at East Texas Baptist University, Stephen F. Austin State University for undergraduate studies and Texas A&M University for her Master’s degree and PhD studies. Education was Donna’s passion and she touched many lives as a high school teacher and girls’ coach. In typical pursuit of education, Donna met her husband, Bruce “Chic” during a European Study Tour. Donna retired from education in 1986 as Texas State Department of Education, Director of Mathematics. From 1986-2008 she worked in textbook publishing - as a Consultant, Sales Representative, and multiple publishing companies as a Sales Manager. Donna instilled the love of learning to anyone around her, especially her Grand-Nephew, Austin Williams who she nurtured as if he was her own - even playing “school” with him and his toy characters when traveling and playing slot machines with her mother and sister.

After retirement, Donna and Chic indulged in her love of travel, golf, and especially her beloved daylily gardens. Donna was active in garden clubs, especially the Lufkin Hemerocallis Society where she served as Treasurer. Donna also served as Secretary-Treasurer of her beloved Enon Cemetery Association for many years.

In 2010, Donna was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis and with the care of Chic and her family, fought bravely against the debilitation of IBM. Donna lived by the mantra “Either you let the disease define you or you define the disease” and never gave up the fight to remain cheerful, hopeful, and determined to live life to the fullest as long as possible.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Bruce “Chic” Chicoine; sister, Lea Williams; sister-in-law, Gayle Brent; stepson, Michael Shaw and wife Heidi; niece, Shannon Cox and husband Michael ; nephew, Daniel Brent II and wife Thayleigh; niece, Beverly Brent Looney and husband Roman; grandnephews Kevin and Austin Williams, Mason and Mitchell Cox, and Lucas Brent; grandniece(s) Olivia and Julian Brent; and step granddaughter, Madison Shaw. Donna also leaves behind extended relatives and many friends to cherish memories of her life.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley Brent and Reba Brent Garrison; brother, Daniel Brent; and nephew, Michael Kevin Williams.

No service is scheduled at this time but Donna’s life will be celebrated at the Annual Homecoming at Enon Cemetery on June 22,  2025.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or a charity of one’s choosing.

The family is grateful to Dr. Sean Moran, Dr. Swati Kumar, and Dr. Sunil Cherry for their continuing care and to the special end-of-life care given to Donna by Harbor Hospice.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.