Donna Victoria Willis

Donna Victoria Willis, 58, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, leaving behind family, friends, and a community forever changed by the love, strength, and compassion she shared with so many.

Donna was the only girl among four brothers, and she was every bit as tough as they were. Yet beneath that toughness was a heart of extraordinary size. She was passionate, vibrant, beautiful, funny, deeply sensitive, and fiercely protective of those she loved. Donna was the glue that held her family together, a woman who could make the biggest problems seem small and who cared more about everyone else's comfort than her own.

From an early age, Donna had a gift for making friends. Many of those friendships grew into something deeper, becoming extended family. She didn't care about titles, status, or being surrounded by important people. She cared about people—the everyday person, the underdog, and anyone who needed someone in their corner. Once Donna loved you, you were family.

She also possessed a remarkable ability to make people feel seen. When you spoke with Donna, she made you feel as though you were the most important person in the room. She listened, she remembered, and she genuinely cared.

Donna faced more than her share of adversity. She survived multiple bouts with cancer and endured other health challenges, meeting each with a grace and strength that amazed those around her. Even when she was hurting, she continued to focus on others. Her courage was not simply in surviving, but in continuing to love, laugh, care, and give of herself.

Donna was the devoted wife of Phillip Willis for 34 years and the proud mother of Brian Scarborough, Felicia (Robert) Jacks, and Courtney Willis. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren: Matthew Jacks, Abigail Jacks, Savannah Scarborough, Warren Malott, Jonah Jacks, Kaleb Jacks, and Mason Willis.

When Donna married Phillip, she embraced his children as her own, helping raise his three boys and daughter. She never viewed family as something defined only by blood.

She also loved connecting with her husband and brothers through the things they enjoyed. Whether it was sports or simply learning about something that mattered to them, Donna took an interest because she took an interest in them. That was her way of loving people.

Donna was much like her mother, Ruth Victoria Petro, who preceded her in death. Both possessed strength, compassion, and devotion to family that left a lasting mark.

It is comforting to imagine Donna and her mother together again, dancing in heaven, surrounded by the joy and peace that faith promises. And as Donna looks down upon the family she loved so deeply, we know she would want us to be strong, not to forget our grief, but to carry her legacy forward through the way we love one another.

Donna is also survived by her four brothers and their spouses: John Piatt, James (Christie) Carr, Don (Jenny) Carr, and David (Marie) Carr; and her two closest friends, Becky Buffkin and Melissa Wagner, who became family in every way that mattered.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Victoria Petro, and her father, Don Franklin Carr.

Donna leaves behind more than memories. She leaves behind a legacy of courage, compassion, humor, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

Her life taught those who knew her that family is not simply who you are born to; it is who you love, who you stand besides, and who you refuse to leave behind. Donna may no longer be here to hold everyone together, but the love she gave us remains. Her legacy will continue in every person she loved, every life she touched, and every heart she helped make stronger. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Donna will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service.