Davena Heath, age 92, of Plano, Texas, passed away Friday, March 16, 2018, after a battle with cancer. She was born August 25, 1925, in Seagraves, Texas, to Jonathan David Heath and Pearl Cotten Heath.
She is survived by various family members who loved her deeply, and will always treasure their memories of her.
She was first and foremost, a loving, kind person with a huge heart, warm smile, and was willing to help anyone in need, in whatever capacity. Her smile was not only big and beautiful, it would light up and brighten one’s day.
She was a woman of many talents and abilities. She received a degree in Interior Design and Art from the University of Texas, Austin. She had a full, diverse life, with many different experiences. During WW II, she drew the flight plans for our airmen to follow. She worked as an Interior Designer, and she worked with the family in the Amusement business at Fair Park and the State Fair. When Walt Disney approached us asking to use some of the unique innovations my grandfather and mother had created, Davena was the one who drew up the blueprints for Walt to use, both in DisneyLand and later in DisneyWorld.
Once the Amusement business was sold, Davena turned her talents to teaching, from Elementary through High School levels. She earned several degrees, including a Master’s in English and Reading. She taught English, Writing, American History, World History, Art, English as a Second Language, and Computer Aided Drafting. Even as recently as a month ago, former students were contacting her, thanking her for all she taught them. Several said that they wouldn’t have the jobs they held without her instruction. Those were compliments she held dear.
She was caring, wise, strong, compassionate, helpful, loving, understanding — truly one of God’s best. She was one of those rare people that everyone truly liked and loved. She will be greatly missed.
Friends and family are invited to a Visitation at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home on Monday, March 26, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a Vigil beginning at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Frisco on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at 11:00 a.m.