Dana Lee Brown

In Loving Memory of Dana Lee Brown

Proverbs 31:26 "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

With deep sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a beloved woman, wife, mom, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Dana Lee Brown, who left us peacefully and entered the presence of God on February 17, 2025, at the age of 71surrounded by her family. She was a woman who lived her life selflessly and for God; always putting others first with an open heart and a generous spirit. Proverbs 31:31 "Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Dana was born on October 25, 1953, in Beckley, WV to the late Rev. Billie Waddell and Rev. Freda Persinger Waddell. Living in Crab Orchard most of her life, she was a loving wife to Julius, a dedicated and supportive mother to Susan, JJ, and Zack, and a remarkable grandma to Logan, Rachel, Maddie, Anna, and Max. She was a member of the Crab Orchard Gospel Tabernacle Church, and her faith was unwavering. From a young age, she displayed a nurturing soul, always caring for those around her. She was a godly woman; a light in this world, always shining with compassion, kindness, and strength. She was a servant at heart, always ready to lend a hand, offering support, and would give without expecting anything in return. Her actions reflected the love and grace of her faith, touching lives in ways that words cannot fully describe. She was the picture of selflessness, always putting others' needs before her own, and dedicated to uplifting those around her. In her presence, people found comfort, encouragement, and the reminder that love is powerful and capable of healing and transforming lives. She dedicated her life to the well-being of others, whether it was through taking care of her husband, raising her children, caring for her grandchildren, helping neighbors, feeding anyone that was hungry or not hungry, or supporting friends in their times of need. Her home was a safe place for anyone seeking comfort, and her kindness had no boundaries.

Her faith and love for her family was unmatched. As a wife and mother, she showed endless dedication and devotion, teaching her children to seek God first, values of compassion, patience, and strength. She found joy in the little and simple things and had an incredible ability to make everyone around her feel valued and loved. Her legacy is one of faith, kindness, and generosity, and she leaves behind a family forever grateful for the life and memories she created for them.

Dana retired from the Raleigh County Board of Education where she was a devoted cook and later a classroom/bus aide. She spent her days spreading joy, love, and kindness to so many children, as well as, feeding them. She loved to feed us all!!! Some of her dynasty recipes were her rolls, fried chicken, homemade pizzas, pot roast, and no bake cookies.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Drema (Don) Sneed, Donna Hall, Debra Coulter, and Sheila Baldwin.

Dana, along with her mom and sisters felt the ladybug was a way that God would send comfort letting us know he was with us during difficult times, a bringer of gifts. She is forever one of the ladybugs!

Though she is no longer with us, Dana's love and warmth will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She is survived by the love of her life for over 50 years, Julius Brown, her children, Susan Tilley and husband Scott of Florida, (JJ) Julius Andrew Brown Jr. and (Shelley) of Florida, and Zack Brown of Crab Orchard.  Five grandchildren, Logan and Rachel Tilley of Florida, Maddie and Anna Brown of Jonben, WV and Max Brown of Crab Orchard, WV.In addition to her children, she leaves behind her "other daughter", Debbie Shufflebarger, who wasn't her daughter by birth, but by heart.  Also left to cherish her memory, are her sister, Suzetta (John) Hajash of Crab Orchard, WV; a brother, Billy Jr. (Karen) Waddell of Crab Orchard, WV, Becky (Brown) White, mother of Maddie and Anna Brown, along with many special extended family, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of her life will be conducted at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley, WV on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. with the Rev. Billy Waddell Jr. officiating. Friends may visit the family from 4:00 p.m. until the time-of-service Thursday. A private burial will be held Friday, February 21, 2025, at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be John Hajash, Chris Waddell, Kevin Coulter, John Shufflebarger, Carter Hajash, Delane Norman, Billy Hall Jr., and (Honorary) Keith Coulter Jr.

Rest in peace, Dana.  You gave so much of yourself to others, and now you are in the presence of God and in the arms of those who went before you, surrounded by the love you so freely gave. You will never be forgotten.  Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God has forgiven you."

Hebrews 13:16 "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV.