Dana Carol (Porter) Johnson Cunningham

Dana Carol Porter Johnson Cunningham, 68, of Vici, Oklahoma, peacefully passed away in her home on April 8, 2026.

Dana was born on July 13, 1957, in Eureka, California. From a young age, she lived a life full of energy, curiosity, and determination. She attended grade school in Eureka, California, where she played baseball with the neighborhood boys and later played basketball as a freshman on the varsity team. She loved the beauty of California, spending time walking the beaches, climbing and exploring the redwoods, and visiting Redwood Park.

At the age of 13, Dana was baptized in DeWitt, Arkansas, into the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn by Bro. Henry McFarland. From that moment on, her walk with the Lord became the foundation of her life. Her faith in the Lord was something she lived daily, guiding every decision, every relationship, and every act of service.

She married Bro. Terry Johnson at the age of 16 on March 16, 1974, in Henryetta, Oklahoma, and together they had and raised their children, Terrad, Danae, and Damian, teaching them about love and faith.

Dana felt a calling from the Lord at a young age to serve others as a midwife, and she began working in that gift at just 18 years old. She found deep fulfillment in helping bring new life into the world, including delivering many of her own grandchildren—something she cherished deeply.

Later in life, following the passing of her husband, Bro. Terry, she met Bro. James J.W. Cunningham, and they married on April 5, 2008, at Boiling Springs State Park. Together, they spent time riding motorcycles and sightseeing, and took great joy in many camping trips with their grandchildren.

Dana had a servant’s heart and was always actively working to help others. She studied and trained as a massage therapist, using her hands and her gifts to bring comfort and help. She loved flowers and creativity, working on floral designs and taking great joy in her flower beds and caring for her yard and plants.

Throughout her life, Dana lived in many places, including McKinleyville, CA, DeWitt, AR, Oklahoma City, OK, Henryetta, OK, Trafalgar, IN, and ultimately Vici, OK, which she called home since 2003.

One of Dana’s greatest joys in life was going on trips with her family, making memories with her children and grandchildren, and enjoying time together playing board games.

Above all else, Dana was a woman of deep and unwavering faith. Her love for the Lord came first in her life, and from that love flowed everything else. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother who always put her children and grandchildren first, second only to her relationship with the Lord. She poured her life into her family and friends, nurturing them, praying for them, and encouraging them in the faith.

She leaves behind a family she loved deeply: her children, Terrad Johnson; Danae and Joe Heidlebaugh; and Damian and Jess Johnson; and her precious grandchildren, Ian, Graham, and Braden Heidlebaugh; Morgan and her husband Chance Bellew, Tony, Mack, Jye, and Loxley Johnson. In addition, she is survived by a multitude of friends and loved ones.

Dana will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, humbleness, willingness to serve others, and taking joy in the little things in life. She lived her life as a reflection of her faith, always striving to love, help, and uplift those around her, faithful in every circumstance, and a mother figure to many.

Memorial donations may be made to the 
Vici Church of the Firstborn or Shaw Funeral Home (Towards cost of service, if you would like)
c/o Shaw Funeral Home
P.O. Box 276
Vici, OK 73859.