Dana Lynn Mayes
July 1, 1951 – October 17, 2014
Dana Lynn Mayes, loving wife and mother, and longtime Edmond teacher, was released into Heaven early Friday morning. On this final journey she was surrounded by her husband, Jerry Mayes, and her five children: Amanda Stewart, Abby Royal, Greg Mayes, Scott Mayes and Steve Mayes.
Dana was a creative person with a brilliant, sparkling mind. She was a teacher for over 30 years, primarily at Sequoyah and Cheyenne Middle Schools in Edmond. She was recognized as Edmond Teacher of the Year and was a State of Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Finalist. Dana has had a lasting impact on the countless students who passed through her classroom where she encouraged her students to look beyond their limitations and to strive for excellence.
Dana will be remembered by her family as a bold and creative force that forever supported, enlightened and spoiled those she loved. We will always cherish Dana’s laughter, love and tremendous heart.
She is survived by her doting husband Jerry, her five children, her 13 grandchildren, her five great-grandkids, her dog and her mother, Alma Duncan.
The Family will greet friends on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book and enjoy pictures anytime Saturday or Sunday.
A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday October 20, 2014 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel.
Dana Lynn Mayes, loving wife and mother, and longtime Edmond teacher, was released into Heaven early Friday morning. On this final journey she was surrounded by her husband, Jerry Mayes, and her five children: Amanda Stewart, Abby Royal, Greg Mayes, Scott Mayes and Steve Mayes.
To Dana’s family… thinking of you in your time of great loss; surround yourselves with her eternal love for each of you.
I am Dana’s cousin (daughter of Roy Jr. & Eldean Chipman). I have been told many times that I am the reason Dana came into Raymond and Alma’s lives. My mom had me on 12/23 and 3 days later, my dad went to Korea. Raymond and Alma brought Mom and me into their home until Dad came home more than a year later to reclaim his family. Raymond and Alma decided that their home was way to quiet and brought Dana home to sparkle things up! And that is how best to describe her… a bright sparkle of life! Dana & I played together many times and grew up not far from each other; we enjoyed all the Kramer family encounters.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Dana’s Family,
My heart goes out to Dana’s family in this difficult time.
I am Dana’s first cousin. When Alma and Raymond adopted Dana, Alma was still working for the telephone company and had to give notice to stop working, so Dana came to live with us (Carl (Cowboy) & Agnes Jochems and family) until her mother could stop working. My mother and Dana’s mother are sisters. She lived with us for several weeks and was always special to our family. She always enjoyed coming back to the farm to visit.
I will not be able to attend the services tomorrow but please know that you are in my and my family’s thoughts and prayers. Please be assured that she is in a much better place.
Dana’s family….I am so sorry for your loss but know that Dana is now at peace in a much better place and I am sure Uncle Raymond was at heavens gate to meet her. Relish the great memories you have of her especially those that make you smile. Dana was my first cousin, our mothers were sisters. Sadly I haven’t seen Dana in many years but always kept up on her and her family through Aunt Alma. Take comfort in each other.
Dana and I came to Edmond Schools and Sequoyah Middle School at the same time. We were both English teachers, and for many years I was a witness to her creative and over-the-top personality, which embellished all who were around her, especially her students. I respected her immense talent in reaching all of her students in a unique way, which made them better people to have been in her classroom. I am sure all of them could share a special message in regard to her style and teaching techniques that inspired them in a unique way.
My images of Dana are many wonderful ones, but her greatest moment, in my opinion, was when she gave her speech as Teacher of the Year in Edmond in front of the entire congregation of teachers. It was the best I ever heard, and I can still see her standing on that stage…captivating every teacher in the building. She certainly had a gift for dramatics. I wish that it were taped so that all could hear her at her greatest moment as a teacher. She always was dressed professionally in suits that framed her tiny body and exuded respect from all around her. She was definitely a “bigger than life” character. When the 8th graders were tested each year for their writing skills, stress was high in our hallway. She would have her students out in the hall chanting words in a song made up by Dana to help them remember the main points in writing a great paper for the state. She was amazing.