Dana Cherel Fann-Powell

Born February 8, 1987, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Damon and Cheryl Fann, Dana grew up in Euclid, Ohio, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age. She was a devoted member of New Community Bible Fellowship.

Dana was a proud graduate of Euclid High School, Class of 2005. During her teenage years, she cherished time with her close-knit group of friends—sharing laughter, conversations, and unforgettable experiences. Whether skating, strolling through the mall, or catching the latest movie, those moments became some of her most treasured memories.

In the fall of 2005, Dana attended Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, where she majored in education and earned her degree in 2011. Her college years were filled with friendships and lifelong bonds, #wolfpack. Dana later pursued her Master’s degree in Education at Cleveland State University, completing it in 2016.

Dana’s passion for helping and educating youth was unwavering. She believed every child had the potential to achieve greatness when given care, guidance, and opportunity. She served as a guidance counselor at Mayfield Heights High School and as a teacher in the Parma School District, touching countless lives through her dedication. Dana’s love for helping children led her to Right Direction Behavioral Health Services, where she was the program director for the past 5 years. She implemented the summer camp program where she was affectionately known as the lunch lady. Dana impacted the lives of so many families and she will truly be missed.

Beyond education, Dana was a devoted entrepreneur who turned her dreams into reality through successful ventures, including Fanntasy Summer Camp, Fanntasy Event Planning and Management, and Super Friends Day Care. Each business reflected her deep love for children and her commitment to uplifting families and communities. Her creativity, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit created safe, joyful spaces where children could thrive and families felt supported.

Dana met the love of her life, Brenden, in late November of 2016, and from the very beginning they felt an instant connection rooted in their shared love of music, food, and travel. What started as easy conversation quickly grew into a partnership filled with laughter, inside jokes, and comfort, as they spent their time discovering new restaurants, exploring various activities around the city, and enjoying cozy nights at home watching new TV shows and movies, often followed by taking naps together. They built a life centered on togetherness, including creating cherished Christmas traditions in their home, which became some of their most meaningful moments. Their bond continued to deepen through unforgettable vacations to Orlando, Tulum, and Cabo, each trip adding new layers to their story. After years of growing side by side, Dana and Brenden were married in September of 2023, celebrating a journey that began with an instant connection and blossomed into a lifelong love.

Dana’s greatest joy was her family. She adored her nieces and nephews, celebrating their milestones and offering unwavering love and encouragement. As an aunt and Godmother, she embraced her role with pride and devotion, creating cherished traditions and lifelong bonds.

Her hobbies included exploring new foods, attending concerts, and traveling the world. Recently, she developed a newfound love for the Chicago Bears—despite not fully understanding the game—after watching Hard Knocks on HBO. We’re certain she had something to do with their latest playoff win!

Dana was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James and Louis Cuthbertson and Juanita Smith; her eldest brother, Ramone Perry; and her younger sister, Danielle Fann. She is survived by her devoted husband, Brenden Vance Powell; parents, Cheryl and Damon Fann Sr.; brother, Damon Fann Jr. (Tanisha); sister, Jancine Newton (Anthony); parents-in-law, Michael and Sandra Powell; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, family, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Dana loved the Lord, her family, friends, and community. She will be remembered for her laughter, warmth, unwavering faith, and the joy she brought to every life she touched. Her legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.