Dana dedicated her life to helping others, with a career that spanned various roles, including Avon District Manager, Marketing Director at Pine Castle Walk-In Clinic, Aflac salesperson, and as a Guardian ad Litem, where she advocated for countless children. She published a book, "Death From Child Abuse and No One Heard" which inspired her to work in children's advocacy. Dana was also a lifelong contributor to the Wounded Veterans Project.
A trailblazer, Dana became the first female President of the Rotary in Florida, receiving numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Award and Service Above Self Award. She was a President’s Club Member and active in the Pine Castle Chamber of Commerce. Dana even appeared on the Geraldo Rivera talk show.
Her life was filled with warmth, kindness, and moments of mischief, from her famous snickerdoodle cookies to her beloved catchphrase “Snicklefritz.” Dana had a deep love for family, cherished being a wife, mother, Memaw, and aunt, and played a maternal role to many. She enjoyed visiting Olive Garden and Cracker Barrel, loved puzzles, crafting, writing, antiques, and spending time outdoors.
Dana was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, George Edwin Weikel; her parents, Jonathon and Emma Rose Jackson; son Jonathon Edwin Weikel; great-grandson Christopher Jonathon Bernard Weikel; and her beloved Pomeranian, Jumping Jack.
She is survived by her children, David Ray (Susan) Weikel, Cynthia (Hank) London, and George Andrew (Lynn) Weikel; her grandchildren, Amanda Jean Weikel, Brandon (Phet) Weikel, Joseph Weikel, Kyle (Angel) London, Garrett Pate, and Jessica Weikel; great-grandchildren, Laylanie Rose Pearl Weikel, Skyler Polo Weikel, Landon Edwin James Beyer, Haley Weikel, Avery Weikel, Emma Rose London, Georgia Rae London, and Jase Kyle London; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.
Dana will be remembered for her compassion, integrity, and tireless dedication to those in need. Her impact was felt by everyone who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dana’s honor can be made to CASA, the Children’s Advocacy Center. The family also wishes to thank the caregivers and nurses of Gentiva Hospice Group, especially Jose, for their compassionate care.
Per Dana’s wishes, she will return to Florida to be reunited with her husband, George, and will be interred at Bushnell National Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements especially for Mrs. Dana Rose Weikel and her family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
