Dana Arlyene Sapp

With heavy hearts and deep sadness, the Sapp family announces the passing of their beloved Dana Arlyene Sapp, 64, of Stuart, Virginia passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026. She was born on April 4, 1962, in Martinsville, Virginia, to the late Emmit Jackson “Jack” Sapp and Barbara Ann (Hudgins) Sapp.

The youngest of three daughters, Dana was a joyful, outgoing soul whose smile could brighten any room. She had a fun-loving spirit and a wonderful sense of humor, and an incredible ability to make those around her laugh. She loved deeply and treasured every moment spent with family and friends. She had a unique gift of making everyone around her feel special. Her kindness, humor, and generous heart will continue to live on the memories of all who were blessed to know her.

Dana had a remarkable gift for music. She grew up singing in the church choir, where her lifelong love of music began. She enjoyed playing the guitar and singing, and one of her family's most treasured traditions was the personalized birthday songs she created and performed with her “band” for loved one’s year after year. Through those heartfelt recordings, she made sure everyone knew just how deeply they were loved.

As an avid animal lover, Dana shared an unbreakable bond with her faithful dogs over the years, some of which loved to join the “band,” Tiny, Angus, King Fred, and Little Maggie. Dana also cherished her trips to Kentucky to visit her sister’s horse farm and delighted in screaming her head off at horse races at Keeneland and Churchill Downs.

In addition to her parents, Dana is preceded in death by her sister, Dale Farrell and stepmother, Lillie Sapp. She survived by her sister, Jan Martin (Tony); brother, Scott Sapp (Tami); brother-in-law, Kevin Farrell; nephews, Sean Farrell, Brant Martin (Gretchen), Adam Martin (Kelly), and Patrick Martin (Karen); great-nephews, Jack and William Martin; nieces, Lillie Cate and Kendall Sapp; and her beloved fur baby, Little Maggie.

A graveside service will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Roselawn Burial Park in Martinsville, Virginia. A reception with the family will immediately follow at Norris Funeral Services in Martinsville, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA of Martinsville-Henry County SPCA at 132 Joseph Martin Hwy, Martinsville, Virginia, 24112, or First United Methodist Church at 146 east Main Street, Martinsville, Virginia 24112.

Norris Funeral Services, Inc of Martinsville, VA is serving the Sapp family.