Dana Maurine Sury

On November 19, 2025, Dana Maurine (Bearden) Sury passed away peacefully at her home in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 66, surrounded by those who loved her.

In mid-2025, Dana was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. The illness progressed with shocking speed, but Dana faced it with the same courage, resolve, and deep capacity for love that defined her life. As her condition advanced and she entered hospice care, she was sustained by the steadfast love and companionship of Quanah Martin, who became an irreplaceable source of comfort, joy, and strength. The family is profoundly grateful for the love, devotion, and light Quanah brought into Dana’s life, and for the way he stood by her through even the hardest and darkest days.

Dana was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Clarence Sury, with whom she shared 41 years of marriage; her mother, Jeanne Bearden; and her brothers, John “Mark” Bearden and David William Bearden.

She is survived by her father, William Bearden; her son, Jake Sury and his wife Amanda; her daughter, Madison Sury Beans and her husband, Logan; and her grandchildren, Norah Sury, Amelia Sury, and Brennan Beans, who lovingly knew her as “DeeDee.” She is also survived by extended family members and many dear friends.

As we say goodbye to Dana, we also celebrate the life that she lived so fully and the many ways she loved those around her.

Dana Maurine (Bearden) Sury, born February 10, 1959, was raised in Texas with a deep appreciation for family and faith. She grew up with a warm, nurturing spirit, often helping care for siblings and friends from a young age. Those early years shaped Dana’s generous heart and her playful sense of humor. Dana’s sarcastic humor and quick wit were evident even in her youth – traits that would later endear her to everyone she met. She graduated from Eastern Hills high school in Fort Worth and went on to pursue specialized training as a court reporter.

Dana began her professional career as a Certified Court Reporter in the early 1980s, initially working as a freelance reporter through her own business in Fort Worth. By the late 1980s, she worked within the Tarrant County court system before stepping away from court reporting to focus on raising her children. As her family grew older, Dana transitioned into education, working as a substitute teacher and library staff member in Arlington, and later serving as a school secretary with in Arlington ISD, Castleberry ISD and Birdville ISD, where she ultimately retired.

In her early twenties, Dana married the love of her life, David Sury. Together, they built a home filled with dancing, a lot of oldies music, sarcasm and quick wit. She was the kind of wife and mother who hosted lively kitchen dance parties, consisting of her and David twirling the kids around to their favorite 60s and 70s songs while cooking dinner.

Central to Dana’s life was her faith in God and her desire to uplift others. She was a longtime participant in Bible Study Fellowship, and her approach to spirituality was deep and genuine without ever being dogmatic or judgmental. Dana had a way of living her faith through quiet action – she and David were often the first to step in when friends, family, or neighbors were struggling or in need. Over the years, they took part in countless humble acts of service: delivering home-cooked meals to sick friends, anonymously paying bills for those in need, and countless other acts of service. She didn’t just talk about kindness and charity – she lived it.

Her warmth drew people to her, and her care and authenticity made them stay. She was the kind of friend you could confide in with no fear of judgment. She formed deep, lasting friendships throughout her life, including close friends from her high school years who remained by her side throughout her life, her coworkers, and church friends who became an important part of her community. Dana was also embraced as family by David’s fraternity brothers, a close-knit group who remained a steady support in her life over the years.

Dana was fabulous. She had a great eye for fashion and jewelry. She often hunted for the most unique item and loved finding that one of a kind piece. Her eye for fashion carried well into her eye for design and art. She loved to antique and hunt through giant malls to find the coolest furniture or art to incorporate into her space. Making everything feel warm, welcoming, and uniquely Dana. She became an amazing painter and got to decorate using some of her very own art work and often shared her artwork with her friends. She adored sharing her love of these things with her friends and family; taking painting classes with her friends, going on special shopping trips for cool jewelry, and making trips to the antique mall with her family (while making sure to stop in at the tearoom for a shopping break of course).

Farewell, sweet Dana – devoted wife, mother, “DeeDee,” sister, and friend. You showed us how to love with our whole hearts and how to find joy in every season. We will miss you more than words can say. Until we meet again… or as Dana would say “just saying, we love you. True story.”