Dana was born in Dothan, AL on October 5, 1956 to parents, Robert and Jean Hanselman. She graduated from Edgewood High School in Trenton, OH and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Miami Ohio University and Master of Education at Xavier University.
Dana was married to Richard, “Rick”, King on May 28, 1983; They were happily married for 39 years, and their two daughters and three grandchildren were the joy of their life together.
Dana was a career educator with 42 years of service as a teacher and administrator, the last 19 as principal at Millbrook Magnet High School. She was also an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina School of Education. Dana saw her work in schools as a ministry as she cared for countless students and families, empowered hundreds of teachers, and mentored hundreds of current and future principals. She was a great principal because she never forgot that she was first and foremost a teacher.
Dana was active in her church and in the community, faithful to her family, and invested in relationships, especially the circle of friends she affectionately called, “The Flamingos.” Dana loved traveling and spending time at the beach or the pool with her family, especially her grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Dana is survived by daughters Jenny Herring (Drew) of Danville, VA, and Katie Gamel (Brian) of Wake Forest, NC; grandchildren, Judah Herring, Nolan Gamel, and Kendall Gamel; mother, Jean Neuanswander of Sun City Center, FL; brother, Eric Hanselman of Miamisburg, OH; sisters, Sharie Sword of Columbus, OH and Tina Collins (Steve) of Lexington, KY; nephews and Nieces, Sean Sword (Gretchen) of Columbus,OH, Shannon Sword (Kelly) of Columbus, OH, Parker Collins (Gerico) of Long Beach, CA, Cody Collins (Becca) of Nicolasville, KY, and Madison Collins of Lexington, KY.
Dana is predeceased by her father, Robert Hanselman.
A private "Celebration of Life” for family and friends was held April 5, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at Asbury Church, officiated by Rev. Drew Herring and Rev. Dr. Jonathan Jeffries.
In lieu of flowers, the King family requests that donations be made in Dana’s memory to the Dana King Scholarship Fund. Nothing could be more honoring to Dana’s legacy than your support of students pursuing their goals through higher education.
Donations can be made online at https://millbrookmagneths.memberhub.com/store/items/697425. Checks can be made out to MHS PTSA with “Dana King Scholarship Fund” in the memo line and dropped off or mailed to: Millbrook High School 2201 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh NC 27615.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.2