Donna Annette Layton Worley was born on August 16, 1954 in Morton, Texas to Lonnie and Annette Layton. She was the oldest of the siblings followed by 2 brothers and a sister. Growing up in Marble Falls, she enjoyed activities with her friends, many of whom were cousins in her big, close-knit family. From a young age, she learned to care for her siblings and help her family around the house. She would save any extra money she had and buy fabric and make dresses for her sister Melinda and herself. There were tales of miniskirts that Donna insisted were long enough when she started the design but her legs “must have grown”. She often told the story of her brother Rocky eating cereal from a mixing bowl and a morning squabble between her brothers, Rocky and Leon, that resulted in a whole gallon of milk being thrown across the kitchen and she got blamed. The stories of love and laughter and care for one another were central to her character – always a caretaker, always giving of herself, always getting things done.
Following graduation from Marble Falls High School in 1972, she attended Tarleton in Stephenville. She met Gary Worley in the fall of 1973, and they quickly realized they were meant to be together forever. They were married on March 9, 1974. Gary was a Brownwood boy and it didn’t take long for the two of them to return there to make their home. Donna attended cosmetology school and worked as a hairdresser until their first daughter, Jennifer was born and soon after, Janet was born and completed their family. They attended First Baptist Church until recently when they joined Salt Creek Baptist Church. Donna was a faithful follower of Christ.
She held various positions around Brownwood where she made friendships that lasted longer than any job. Donna eventually joined Dr. Paul Foxcroft as the office manager of his orthopedic practice, where she worked for 17 years.
Donna was ever an entrepreneur, always had a side hustle and never shied away from a project or craft. She often was heard saying, “see one, do one, teach one” and was able to rope friends and family into most of her endeavors. From craft fairs with wood projects, to ceramics, to making t-shirt dresses and sweatshirts, she was ALWAYS sewing, crafting and decorating–a trait she passed to her daughters. After a visitor in their home remarked about one of Donna’s designs, Gary warned, “Careful! If you stand still too long, Donna will put a flower on you or tie a bow to you!” He wasn’t wrong.
After 17 years working for the doctor and days filled with chasing her daughters from piano lessons and dance classes, church activities and school events, Donna took a leap of faith and started her own business, The Rage Salon. At first, she was an independent operator but quickly developed the business and brought in more nail technicians, hair stylists, and massage therapists and even a clothing boutique owner who all made The Rage their home. Donna was passionate about her customers, making them feel special, loved and cared for and she felt the same way about those that worked in The Rage alongside of her. Many of her best friends originated from relationships formed at work – Donna often said it’s only natural to become friends with someone when you hold hands and share life with them for an hour every other week.
Throughout her adult life, Donna showed her care and love for others in such a special way. Living next door to her in-laws, Wayne and Sue Worley, Donna took great pleasure in visiting them almost daily and helping them as they aged. She was close to her sisters in law, Carla and Sara and her siblings as well. Travel, family reunions, adventure and the ever-present theme of caring for others were the highlights of Donna’s story. When her first granddaughter, Karsen, was born, Donna became “Cookie” and she loved that adventure most of all. Two grandsons, Griffin and Graham, completed the pack.
One of Donna’s favorite hobbies was quilting. Having always enjoyed sewing, quilt making was a natural transition. Gary made sure she had the best space possible for her craft as they built a special room for her longarm quilting machine. That space became a refuge and weekend hang out for Jennifer, Janet and Donna’s sister, Melinda and friend, Linda to spend time with Donna. She enjoyed making quilts for loved ones and likely made over 100 through the years.
Donna was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Carcinoma on New Years Eve in 2023. The cancer was aggressive and the symptoms were devastating. But Donna bravely and faithfully battled for the past year. Gary and the girls cared for her well, as did Donna’s mother, sister, Melinda, and dear friend, Linda. Visits from other family and friends were so special to her during her illness including Janet Beach from Florida who was able to spend precious time prior to Donna’s passing. On December 22, 2024, Donna walked into heaven, healed and whole.
Donna was preceded in death by her father, Lonnie Layton, father-in-law, Wayne Worley, and mother-in-law, Sue Worley. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Gary Worley, daughters, Jennifer Salyards and husband Daryl, of Stephenville, Janet Ogden and husband Alan of Blanket, grandchildren Karsen Salyards and Griffin Salyards of Stephenville and Graham Ogden of Blanket. Her mother Annette Layton, siblings Rocky Layton, Leon Layton and Melinda Foster and sisters-in-law Carla Lehrmann and Sara Killian and their spouses and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will take place at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 3, 2025, at Salt Creek Baptist Church. Inurnment will follow in the Salt Creek Cemetery. The family requests that family and friends for whom Donna made a quilt, bring it to the service to place at your seat for others to see.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salt Creek Baptist Church Uganda Missions Fund or Good Samaritan Ministries of Brownwood.
Condolences, memories, and tributes can be shared with the Worley family online at heartlanduneralhome.com