Dana LaChelle Paylor

Dana L. Paylor, 54, answered the call of God’s will on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at the University of Portage i n Raven - na, Ohio. D a n a was born July 15, 1970, in Pittsburgh to the late Terry Harper and Jaqueline D. Paylor Wade. Dana’s formative years were spent in McKeesport at her Gram’s (Jean Sayles) where she developed bonding relationships with cousins who became like siblings. She began her education with the McKeesport Area School District, later relocating to Elizabeth, Pa., upon Jackie and James’s union. Dana graduated from Elizabeth Forward High School in 1989. After high school, Dana attended the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy and received certification as a cosmetologist, working at several salons throughout the area. Dana was diagnosed with a rare disease early on that started a snowball effect which led to other medical issues, and that’s how her health battles began. In 2000, she underwent a kidney transplant donated by her cousin/big brother, Jeffrey. It was during this time that she drew even closer to God. He sustained and brought her through time and time again. She was a member of Whole Truth Church of God in Christ in Donora, where she worshiped alongside her mother and father. She later became a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in McKeesport under the guidance of Pastor Dr. Earlene Coleman. Like her mother, she picked up the skills of working with her hands to make various art and craft projects while spending countless days in health care facilities. Her love of family was the most important thing to her. In addition, she enjoyed softball, traveling and music. Dana’s biggest desire was to meet celebrities Chris Tucker, Usher and Trey Songz. She was fortunate enough to meet Monique face-to-face, even obtaining an autograph. Dana enjoyed telling stories of her childhood where she insisted that any mischievous behavior always was the doings of Dana and Marc (Teddy and Welby); this would always bring her laughter and a big smile. Dana was preceded in death by her father, Terry Harper; mother, Jackie Paylor Wade; and grandparents, Jesse Harper, Jean Sayles, Ethel Davis, Fred Davis, James O. Wade Sr. and Viola Wade. She leaves to cherish Dana L. Paylor, 54, answered the call of God’s will on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at the University of Portage i n Ravenna, Ohio. Dana was born July 15, 1970, in Pittsburgh to the late Terry Harper and Jaqueline D. Paylor Wade. Dana’s formative years were spent in McKeesport at her Gram’s (Jean Sayles) where she developed bonding relationships with cousins who became like siblings. She began her education with the McKeesport Area School District, later relocating to Elizabeth, Pa., upon Jackie and James’s union. Dana graduated from Elizabeth Forward High School in 1989. After high school, Dana attended the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy and received certification as a cosmetologist, working at her memories and everlasting love stepfather James O. Wade Jr.; daughter, J’Qua Paylor; and grandchildren, Tywuan, Envy, Cartier, Bronx and Brooklyn; great-uncle, Gerald R. Sayles Sr. of Chester, Va.; greataunt, Alice Paylor-Dais; great-uncle, Harry Paylor of California; James Paylor of Maryland; uncles, Bradley Sayles, Dane Sayles, Larry Paylor, Anthony Davis, James Davis; aunts Sue Harper, Kimberly Jones, Joyce Leapart and Kristine Jones; bio siblings, Terrance Walker, Marcus Harper of Atlanta, Ga.; bonded siblings, Jeff Sayles, Marc Sayles of Atlanta, Ga., Kimberly Kifer, Kelley Kifer, Monica Sayles, Shamica Harper; Sister in Christ, Cher Redwood; supportive cousin, Dr. Karla Paylor of Maryland; godparent, Henry Phillips; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. Family and friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 716 Walnut St., McKeesport. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at the church with the eulogy will be given by Pastor Dr. Earlene Coleman, pastor of the church. The service will be followed by entombment in McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery, McKeesport. Final celebrations are entrusted to MARSHALL MARRA FUNERAL HOME, 216 Chess St., Monongahela, PA 15063, 724-258-6767. Condolences can be made online at marshallmarrafuneralhome. com.