Dana Maria (Dunaway) Mitchell

Mrs. Dana Maria Mitchell, 44, of Augusta, GA, went home to her Lord on Saturday, March 5, 2022.

Dana is survived by her husband, Richard Beasley, Jr., her two children, Tyler and Laurel Mitchell, and her stepson, Anthony Beasley; her mother, Sandra Markesich, and father, John Thomas Dunaway II (Carol); her sister, Erin Kendrick (Jason) and children Aria, Sean, and Logan; maternal grandmother, Betty Tant; mother-in-law, Debra Colgrove (Russell); the Mitchell family; many aunts, uncles, cousins and other dear family members from her and her husband’s beloved blended family; and many, many devoted friends, who cannot imagine a world without her love and friendship.

Dana Maria Dunaway was born in Fort Bragg, Cumberland, NC, later moving to the Central Savannah River Area in Georgia, where she spent most of her formative years and adulthood in and around the Augusta metro area. She graduated from Evans High School in 1996, continuing studies in environmental science. However, her most treasured accomplishments were being the proud mother of her beloved children, who were her world, and a loving wife and partner to her devoted husband Richard. Her nurturing love was extended over the years to her many family members, dear friends she made everywhere she went, and everyone who knew her even for a short time, and she showed it through her the gifts of her time, her creativity, her humor, her drive to educate herself and others, and her caring heart.

All her life, Dana always nurtured those around her. She adored animals and had many beloved pets (such as her hedgehog Grog, beloved Pekingese Buckley, and most recent furry family members, Cookie Monster the Peke and Kit the cat), and she loved watching videos of animals and sharing them with her people. She would spend hours out in nature with her friends and family, whether creating memories at the Boy Scout camp or going for walks in the Phinizy Nature Swamp. Dana loved to create; she took great joy in crafting, painting, and all manner of arts, and even in her last days, she was taking on challenges like knitting and crocheting mementos for her family and friends. She was an active member of Crossbridge Baptist Church in Augusta, GA, and she loved to sing in the services; her voice was constantly lifted in song throughout her life, whether in praise, worship, joy, or laughter, and music was a major part of her life. She loved to go on road trip adventures and seek out new experiences; still, some of her favorite moments were quieter times spent surrounded by family and friends. Her wit and humor, along with her laughter, could light up a room, but she was also a warm, comforting shoulder to cry on in sadder times. During her final illness, she had the difficult task of transitioning from actively supporting her loved ones to being supported by her friends and family, and she felt keenly the limitations of her ability to return that support as her health declined. However, we could never repay all that she has given us through the gift of her life.  Dana was the light in our world, and that light has gone out; still, it is reflected now by the candle flames of our dearest memories of her.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 24, at 7pm at Crossbridge Baptist Church, 3130 Skinner Mill Rd, Augusta, GA 30909, to allow all who loved her to celebrate Dana's life and homegoing.  In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe has been set up for the family to assist them in this time at the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-danas-family   

Please pray for her family and friends, that all can find strength, comfort, and peace in our time of loss as our dearest light joins the shining glory of her Heavenly home.

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