Dana Gay Johnson Tennison

Dana Gay Tennison passed away on February 14, 2020 at the Wake Forest Baptist Cancer Center, surrounded by family that loved her dearly. She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Thomas Jefferson Tennison III, sister Connie Rae Shea (Daniel), brother Steven Douglas Johnson, nephew Daniel Joseph Shea, niece Christine Erin Shea, many cousins including local resident Margo Ann Bennett (Jim), step-daughter Ashley Jane Sommars (Tim) and grandchildren Autumn Jaylyn Sommars and Jaxon Connor Sommars. Dana was born October 18, 1955 in Illinois to Harold Iver Johnson and Gloria Hope Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Jeffery Michael Johnson (Jojo), and step-son Thomas Jefferson Tennison IV. Dana spent 17 years working for Xilinx and most recently the Randolph Art Guild. After moving to Asheboro, Dana dedicated herself to God at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, where Tom and Dana have been active members. She loved her community and was an active fundraiser, helped with children's church, and advocated for animals. Dana loved her walking group, traveling, reading, dogs, kids, cooking and laughing. She chose to be happy and shared that happiness to bring light to anyone that met her. Dana's memorial service will be held Monday February 24th, 10:30am at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 505 Mountain Road, Asheboro, NC 27205 with a reception to follow. Donations to honor Dana can be sent to the Randolph Health Cancer Patient Fund, 373 North Fayetteville Street, Asheboro, NC 27203. Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is serving the Tennison family.