Dana (Fisher) Willhite was the beloved and eldest daughter of Robert Larry Fisher and Bette Fisher born on October 21, 1955 in El Paso, TX. She was the eldest of three siblings followed by her brother Robert L. Fisher Jr., and sister Dedra (Fisher) Leahy. Her life began in northeast El Paso where she attended Parkland High School, later graduating from the University of Texas El Paso with a degree in teaching.

Dana possessed the soul of a poet, a unique character full of love and empathy. She was a gifted teacher, a published author and compassionate caretaker of animals. In 1991 she began her teaching career at North Loop Elementary in El Paso before moving to the Dallas area. She taught at Lancaster ISD from 1993-1999, and taught 2nd grade at Adams Elementary in Cleburne from 2000 till she retired from full time teaching. Dana continued to substitute until a few months before she passed. Over the years, she touched hundreds of lives and was honored many times for her dedication and excellence as a teacher.

There’s a phrase Dana wrote often, “Compassion is the secret of sharing.” She truly believed that all people were capable and deserving of love. It showed through her eyes, she lived it in the way that she taught, and expressed it in her writing. Her children’s book, “The Dyslexic Dalmation,” was a tribute to that ideal, and that anyone can overcome their challenges and find a place in this world.

Dana was a woman of deep and vibrant faith, a gregarious person with many lifelong friends whom she loved tremendously. Her smile and bright eyes were warm and inviting, illuminating a light from within that none will soon forget. She took great comfort in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and after a brave battle against cancer, she passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026 in El Paso, TX. She is preceded in death by her mother and brother, and is survived by her father, sister and many, many loved ones.

Service will be held at 4 pm at Abundant Church 7100 North Desert Blvd, El Paso, TX 79912. Reception will be at 5:30 pm at 6430 Doniphan Dr. Bldg C, El Paso, TX. 79932.

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