Dana Elizabeth Speights Walker, 57, was born July 2, 1969, and passed peacefully on September 5, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the friends and family who loved her most.

Dana was the oldest of three children born to Larry and Patsy Speights. She spent her early life in the Stumptown community, where she was raised in the faith and fellowship of Hepzibah Baptist Church. Dana graduated from Monticello High School in 1987 and went on to earn an associate degree in Early Childhood Development from Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

From an early age, Dana knew her calling was children. She dedicated her entire career to educating and caring for them, working in numerous childcare centers throughout her life and even owning and operating her own daycare for a time. Dana closed out her career doing what she loved most, serving as a teacher with Head Start at Monticello Elementary, where she continued to pour her heart into every child.

By far, the greatest love of Dana's life was her son, Justin. Justin came into her life at five months old, and from the moment she met him, she loved him with her whole heart. There was nothing that brought Dana more joy than talking about Justin and cheering him on from the stands as she watched him play baseball.

Dana was also a creative spirit with a love for a good craft. She was known for handmaking holiday door hangers and lovingly decorating her home for every season, always finding a reason to celebrate and bring beauty into the lives of those around her.

Dana is preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Patsy Speights.

She is survived by her son, Justin; her sisters, Dawn (Kelly) Greenlee and Dannell (Scott) Roberts; one nephew, Logan (Nikki) Greenlee; three nieces, Macey (Jonathan) Britt, Mattie Roberts, and Anna Roberts; two aunts, Gayle (Tony) Shifalo and Kathryn Rowley; and many other loving cousins and friends.

Dana's life was defined by her love for children, her devotion to Justin, and her creative, giving spirit. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a woman who gave her heart fully to the people and children in her care, and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose life she touched.