Nettie Lucretia (Donaway) Ramsey

Nettie Lucretia Ramsey (Donaway), born in Putnam, TX, on December 22, 1938, was the daughter of Annie Mae and Vernon Donaway and grew up with her four beloved brothers.  Nettie said she always wanted a sister but later figured out she had it made by being the only girl.  She was well-loved and felt it.  That confidence blossomed, turning her brown hair red for the rest of her life.  

There was a fifth boy who liked to spend time at the Donaway home named George Ramsey.  He was welcomed warmly by the family; Nettie was the last one to become fond of him, but she was fond of him the most.  In 1956, the day after her 18th birthday, Nettie and George pledged their life and loyalty to each other. In that same year, Nettie graduated from Putnam High School.  With her big love of family and courage she crossed the Atlantic Ocean to meet George with their first baby, Lisa, in her arms. Tim came marching right behind playing army, perfectly completing their family. The nomadic military lifestyle gave Nettie the opportunity to serve others in what she believed was her greatest calling and gifting:  bringing people together.  She spent 20 years building community among military spouses, followed by another 15 years leading the Travis Avenue Baptist Church women’s ministry where she found all the sisters she could have ever wanted.  

She never stopped missing home or her parents: getting her family together was what she cherished most.  Nettie made home with George, Lisa and Tim all over the world but always said she wanted to be home in Putnam.  She breathed her last breath in her earthly body and her first one with her Mom and Dad in heaven on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2023.  

Preceding her in death were Annie Mae, Vernon and Hazel Aleth.  

Nettie is survived by George: her most devoted husband of 66 years, her four brothers:  Hubert, LC,  Lee and Warren, two children:  Lisa and Tim, 7 grandchildren:  Lindsey, Daniel, Amy, Jessica, Maddie, Bailey and Sunday, 12 great-grandchildren, all of their spouses, and many others who knew the joy and loyalty of being loved by her. 

On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, there will be a viewing at Kimbrough-Jacobs Funeral Home located at 300 W. 9th St., Cisco, TX.  The viewing is open to family only from 11-12:15 p.m. and public viewing from 12:15-1:15 p.m. (family not in attendance), followed by a graveside service at 2:30 p.m. at the Dothan Cemetery.  

On December 22, 2023 (which would have been Nettie’s 85th birthday), there will be a Celebration of Life service at Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX. 

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