Dana Lyn Nelson

Dana was born in March of 1969 to Dinah and Don Nelson in Miami, Florida. At a young age, Dana’s family relocated to Pine Village Indiana where she was raised. Dana graduated with the class of 1987 from Benton Central High School and went on to attend Purdue University where she graduated with a B.S. in Aviation Administration. Dana had a love for aviation and obtained her Private Pilot’s License.

Dana was very close to her parents and sister Kimi and relocated with the family to Raleigh, North Carolina. Dana built a successful career starting out as a call agent in the IBM Personal Computer Company call center, eventually working her way to managing the planning and establishment of call centers worldwide.

Dana loved spending time on Falls Lake with her family where many a weekend was spent water skiing and enjoying other water sports. She loved joining family vacations to Hilton Head Island and RV trips across the U.S. Her greatest joy was loving and supporting her two nephews, Harrison and Justin. Dana was often found on the sidelines of sporting and other events, cheering on her boys. She was very proud of her nephew’s accomplishments and would gladly share that Harrison inherited her gift of writing and Justin, her love of flying.

Dana is preceded in death by her beloved mother Dinah Nelson and grandmother Ruth (Tootsie) Kelp. She is survived by her father Don Nelson, sister Kimberli Miller, brother-in-law Craig Miller, nephews Harrison (Mila) and Justin (Chloe), and her four legged fur baby, Rawlie, who would never leave Dana’s side.

Those who knew Dana will surely miss her humor, infectious smile, compassion for others, and the love and support that she brought into their lives. Dana, you are loved dearly and there is an empty place in our hearts.

Donations may be made in memory of Dana to the SPCA of Wake County. Information on how to donate is listed below under "donations"

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Soapstone United Methodist Church, 12837 Norwood Rd Raleigh, NC 27613