Dawanna Patrice Mansion

Dawanna Patrice Mansion was born on February 7, 1974, to Ramona Mansion and Dwayne Haywood in Austin, Texas. She lived a vibrant and dynamic life, embodying independence and confidence, ever drawing people in with her high energy and big personality. Often the center of attention, Dawanna brought joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments to her family and friends.

From an early age, Dawanna showed incredible resilience. Diagnosed with chronic asthma at three, she spent years in and out of the hospital, with Ramona at her side. Even then, Dawanna faced the challenge with determination and high spirit, which led her to overcome the illness. She had to be a fighter from the beginning.

Her artistic talents were undeniable. Dawanna had a natural gift for drawing, able to recreate almost anything just by looking at it. But her creativity extended beyond art—she was a licensed cosmetologist and entrepreneur, mastering the beauty industry with a sharp eye for style. Whether it was nails, hair, or fashion, she set trends long before they became popular. Her love for bold expression was evident in her colored wigs, vibrant contacts, and dramatic lashes. As an artist, she was always ahead of her time.

As an individual, Dawanna was fearless, outspoken, and never one to back down from a challenge. Authentic and unapologetically herself, she will be remembered as a rare soul—bold enough to stay true to who she was. Her independent spirit drove her to turn her skills into a nail shop on Loyola Lane.

Growing up in North Austin and on the East Side, Dawanna attended Burnet Middle School before earning her GED, and the cosmetology license. She was a lifelong traveler, living in cities like Dallas, Houston, and Washington, D.C., before returning to the Austin area for the last decade of her life. Wherever she went, she left an impression—gaining plenty of friends and, admittedly, a few frenemies along the way.

Her love of travel began in childhood. Every summer, Ramona would put her on a plane to visit family in New Orleans. There, she stood out for her intelligence and larger-than-life personality. Those summers shaped her adventurous spirit. In New Orleans, she was known as a little girl who was an elite swimmer, excellent at fishing, and someone who could make friends with anyone.

Above all, Dawanna was full of laughter and fun. She never took herself too seriously, always cracking jokes and finding ways to bring joy to those around her. She gave freely—her time, her talents, and even her belongings—though she might later tease, “Ain’t that mine?”

Dawanna wasn’t just a presence—she was an experience. Fierce, and funny, she embraced every moment with passion. Her energy was unmatched, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

She is survived by her loving family, cherished friends, and all those fortunate enough to have been part of her journey. She is lovingly remembered by her brothers, Dr. Sholnn Freeman, Shaun Mansion and DeMichael Haywood, and her sisters, Tameka Wilson, Lakendra Haywood, Jada Haywood, and Dennistria Hunt. She is also survived by her children: son Terrell Tra’von Mansion and his wife Mayra Delia Martinez; daughter Skye Bailey Mansion; and daughter Sloane Carter.

Her memory will live on through her beloved grandchildren: Terrell Tra’von Mansion Jr., A’mia Mansion, Ariel Marie Mansion, Myla Jeanette Mansion, and Cassia Mansion, as well as her aunts, uncles, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ramona Mansion, and her grandmother, Alma Holmes.

Dawanna, you will be missed— you will be missed deeply, but your tenacious spirit and radiant light will never leave us.

A viewing will be held from 9:00 - 11:30 AM on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home, 604 HWY 95 N, Elgin, Texas 78621.

Celebration of life will begin 12:00 PM on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home. Interment will follow immediately at Clearview Cemetery, 111 W Clearview Cemetery Rd, Bastrop, Texas 78602.