Dana Marie Sorrells

Dana Marie Sorrells, age 57, of Princeton, born on October 5, 1967, in Caldwell County, left this world on March 25, 2025. She had a heart as big as her love for her family and those she served. Dana was a devoted mother, grandmother, and wife, dedicating her life to nurturing her loved ones and the many children she worked with throughout her career at Surpass Behavior Health in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Dana was passionate about helping others and spent her professional life in roles that allowed her to do so. After earning a Master of Arts in Special Education, she poured her heart and soul into her work with autistic children, teaching them to communicate through picture books and to use single words verbally. Her impact was profound; one particularly touching memory recalls her work with a young boy who had never spoken. After two years of hard work and dedication, he was finally able to tell his parents that he had ear pain. Watching this boy grow up and earn his high school diploma became one of Dana's proudest accomplishments. She was not merely a teacher; she was a beacon of hope and encouragement in the lives of many.

She is survived by her beloved mother, Barbara Marshall Meeks; her loving husband of 38 years, Brent Sorrells of Princeton; and her cherished daughters: Britteny Meeks McKenzie, Lindsey Sorrells Harper, and Cassidy Knight (Cody), all of Princeton. Dana took immense pride in her role as "Nanny," relishing the special bond she shared with her grandchildren: Tristin McKenzie, Breannon McKenzie, Madison Sloyan, Adryan McKenzie, Jase Harper, Noah Knight, Kelvin Knight, Aaron Knight, and Audrey Knight. She also had the joy of naming her soon to be great-granddaughter, Malaya Robinson.

Dana is also survived by two sisters: Leslie Powell (Brian) of Hopkinsville and Kathy Rogers (Kevin) of Princeton, who provided her with a loving support network. She also leaves behind several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who will carry forward her light. Dana will be deeply missed by her emotional support companions, whom she loved dearly: Tia, Nala, Prince, and Lucy. They were more than just dogs to her; they brought her joy and happiness every day.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Oscar and Nell Marshall; her paternal grandparents, Eugene and Mary Meeks; her father, Gerald "Buddy" Meeks; and her two sisters, Lisa Meeks and Paula Meeks.

Dana was of the Christian faith. Her legacy of selflessness was reflected in her everyday life and in her final acts. She chose to donate her organs through the Network of Hope in Kentucky, ensuring that her spirit would live on in others.

As we celebrate Dana's life, we remember her for her unwavering dedication to her family because family was everything to her, her profession, and everyone she touched. Her warm spirit, compassionate heart, and selfless nature will be deeply missed but never forgotten. She remains a cherished figure in the hearts of everyone, fortunate enough to have known her.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Autism Speaks at autismspeaks.org/donate, through their PayPal Giving Fund, or by mailing a check to their Donations Processing Center at P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037-0148.

Goodman Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Dana Sorrells.