Dana Mellender Vinning was a woman of unwavering strength, deep devotion, and boundless generosity. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 20, 1975, to Melvina Slaughter and Raymond Goodwill. Shortly after her birth, Dana was adopted by Byron Vinning who lovingly raised her as his own, instilling in her the values of family and discipline, and giving her the Vinning name she carried with immense pride. Dana grew into a headstrong, genuine, and remarkably selfless woman. She was deeply devoted to the people she loved and never hesitated to give of herself to help others.

A proud native of New Orleans, Dana graduated from Warren Easton High School in 1992 before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge in 2000. That same year, she moved to Dallas, Texas, and began a distinguished 26-year nursing career at Parkland Hospital, where she served faithfully until her final days. Dana’s career as an RN was more than a profession; it was a calling and a true reflection of her compassionate spirit, caring heart, and selfless desire to help those in need.

Above all her accomplishments, Dana’s greatest joy and ultimate pride was her daughter, Camille Mitchell. Dana was Camille’s backbone, supporting every interest, dream, and goal she chose to pursue. Whether it was music, academics, hobbies, sports, or simply discovering something new, Dana was always there encouraging Camille and making sure she had everything she needed to succeed, even down to Legos. She traveled near and far for basketball games, celebrated academic accomplishments, supported new interests, and took pride in watching Camille grow into the young woman she is today. No matter what Camille wanted to try or where life took her, Dana made it known that Camille never had to walk through life alone. She was not only a mother, but a constant source of strength, encouragement, guidance, and support. She loved surprising her with tokens of love, including the bright red Ford Mustang she gifted Camille just this past May. Dana ensured her daughter always felt deeply cherished, and she made it her life’s mission to offer her an endless supply of encouragement, strength, and love.

Dana lived life with vibrant energy and unyielding authenticity. While dancing wasn't her strong suit, her soul resonated with music and live concerts. She cherished her New Orleans roots, eagerly anticipating the Bayou Classic every Thanksgiving, celebrating Mardi Gras, enjoying a great daiquiri, and collecting fine jewelry. She was happiest cruising international waters, sharing laughs with dear friends, and making unforgettable memories.

On Saturday, August 15, 2026, Dana was called to her eternal rest at Medical City Dallas Hospital. Dana was reunited in rest with the father who raised her, Byron Vinning; her grandmother, Mellender Lois Slaughter Williams; grandfather, Willie Slaughter; aunt, Kathleen Slaughter; uncle, Willie Roy Slaughter; and great-grandparents, Reverend George W. Burns Sr. and Melvina D. Burns.

She leaves to carry on her radiant legacy her beloved daughter, Camille Mitchell; her mother, Melvina S. Ware; her father, Raymond Goodwill (Beverly); brother, Derrick Goodwill; sister, Desiree Goodwill; uncle, Thaddeus “Bucky” Slaughter; aunt, Karen S. Green; and great-aunt, Angelyn Burns-LaFrance.

Dana’s spirit will also live on through the special bond she shared with her childhood cousins, Ronya Harrell, Kerwin Jerrell LaFrance, Verlilyn LaFrance, Jenitra LaFrance-Morton, Oral, and Kerwin Kirt LaFrance; as well as her devoted friends, Angela Haynes, Derika Francis, LaSheca Davis, and Sheila Sims. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, and Parkland colleagues to cherish her memory.

Dana Mellender Vinning will forever be remembered for the love she gave, the sacrifices she made, and the lives she touched. Though Dana’s presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of strength, warmth, and quiet generosity endures in the hearts of all who loved her.