Dana Lee Jennings

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dana Lee Jennings, who departed this world peacefully on July 6, 2026, in the comforting presence of her beloved husband and children. Born on July 15, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky, Dana embraced life with a spirit of adventure and an enduring passion for her community, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Dana was the cherished daughter of Lillie Gladys Eubanks and Jesse Lee Eubanks, Sr. She was predeceased by her loving parents, her dear sister Georgia Dean Eubanks, and her former husband, James Thomas Tatum, Jr. Despite these losses, Dana's life was filled with love, laughter, and a commitment to bringing people together. In 2006, Dana found love again and married Greg Jennings, with whom she shared 18 beautiful years in Huntsville, Alabama. Her family was her pride and joy, and she leaves behind her devoted children: Julie Buck Smith (Jason) of Indianapolis, and Phillip Lee Lehman (Barbara) of Huntsville, Alabama. Dana was also a caring stepmother to Amy Jennings Mayes (Paul) of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Ashley Jennings Menard (Dennis) of St. Louis, Missouri, and Heather Jennings. Her legacy continues through her five grandsons—Alexander Donnelly, Brendan Donnelly, Benjamin Burk, Robert Lehman, Mitchell Lehman (Elayna)—as well as eight step-grandchildren and eight great- step grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Judith Lynn Fryer and her brother Jesse Lee Eubanks. Dana's career was a testament to her remarkable organizational skills and her ability to bring people together. She began her professional journey working for a county judge in Louisville, Kentucky, where she organized significant events, including Colonel Sanders's 80th birthday party and a fundraising boxing match with Muhammad Ali. Her talent for event planning and community engagement led her to Huntsville, Alabama, in 1978, where she found her true calling and a place she would call home. In Huntsville, Dana dedicated over two decades of her life to urban renewal and development, serving as the executive director of Constitution Hall Village and as the Founder and CEO of EarlyWorks Children's Museum. Her final official role was as the Executive Director and CEO of Alabama Mountain Lakes, where she started the Alabama Bass Pro tour, Hallelujah Trail and Alabama wins trail. SHs was named tourism executive of the year in 2913. Her work left a lasting impact on the city and state she loved so dearly. Dana was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Huntsville, where she sang in the Hallelujah Choir and greeted congregants with warmth and her beautiful smile each Sunday. Her dedication to service also extended to the Christian Women's Job Corps, where she spent time and energy giving opportunity to others. Known for her outgoing and fun-loving nature, Dana's presence was a bright light to her family and friends. She had an innate ability to make others feel special, always recognizing the talents and strengths within them. Her impeccable taste and vibrant personality were matched only by her compassion and generosity. She was one of a kind. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Dana's memory to the Christian Women's Job Corps or a charity of your choice, allowing her spirit of giving to continue to touch lives even in her absence. Dana Lee Jennings's legacy of love, laughter, and community service will forever be remembered. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten by the countless lives she touched.