Donna Jean (Zaner) Hembree

Donna Jean Zaner Hembree, 90, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, went to her heavenly home on November 9, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, and devotion to family.

Donna was born on January 17, 1936, in Marshall, Texas, to Ollie and Frank Zaner. She grew up in Texas and attended Marshall High School, where she met the love of her life, Ron Hembree. Their high school romance blossomed into marriage on July 10, 1955, in Marshall, Texas. Donna also attended Mary Hardin-Baylor University.

In 1966, Donna and Ron moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma, with their three young sons, where they raised their family. Donna worked as a secretary at Exxon in Texas and later at Oklahoma Baptist University, but her greatest joy and most treasured role was caring for her family.

Above all, Donna loved Jesus Christ. Her faith defined her life, and she lived it out through her love and care for others. Donna had a heart for taking care of everyone around her, always putting the needs of others before her own. Affectionately known as Memaw to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she treasured the time they spent together. She was a wonderful cook, and her home was a place where everyone could gather, share a meal, and feel loved.

Music was another special part of Donna’s life. A talented singer and pianist, she shared her musical gifts from a young age. She and her lifelong best friend, Sandra White Oden, were even featured on local radio and television programs as young girls. Donna’s love for singing and playing the piano continued throughout her life.

Donna loved reading and cherished the friendships she made through her Shawnee bridge club and couples’ dinner club. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, now Heritage Church, in Shawnee, where she served in many ways and sang in the choir.

Donna’s greatest legacy is the family she loved so dearly and the example of faith and selfless love she leaves behind. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Donna is survived by her sons, Ronald Mark Hembree and his wife, Gay Hembree and Mitchell Wayne Hembree and his wife, Debra Hembree; eight grandchildren, Aaron Hembree, Chaurley Meneses, Sammi Payne, Corey Hembree, Noah Hembree, Hallie Dixon, Braiden Hembree, and Allison Hembree; and 14 great-grandchildren, Sophia (Lainey), Lily, Taylon and Alek Hembree; Jude and Benny Meneses; Addison, Rourke and Anna Kate Payne; Christian and Hudson Hembree; Asher, Rylyn and Audree Dixon; and Miranda Hembree.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ollie and Charles Franklin Zaner; her husband, Ronald William Hembree; her brother, Charles Franklin Zaner, Jr.; and her son, Michael Zaner Hembree.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at Riley-Walker Funeral Service on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm with family present to greet friends from 5-7 pm. A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Heritage Church, 227 N. Union Avenue in Shawnee.