Dayna Whittington Mejia

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

 Dayna Elaine (Whittington) Mejia, age 39, traveled her greatest journey yet, entering Heaven’s Gates on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, after a gradual illness. She was born in Zachary, LA to Dawn Gajan and Don Whittington, Jr. Dayna was the sister of Taylore McCauley (Jacob) and Jordan Whittington (Jake Spicer), and half-sister of Colby Whittington (LeAnna). 

She is survived by her husband Stephen Mejia, daughter Kyleigh Brigalia, son Lucas Mejia, mother, father and stepmother Lisa Patruno Whittington, maternal grandmother Emma Gajan Marchand, paternal grandparents Don Sr. and Carolyn Whittington, step-siblings Alyssa Patruno Rutkiewicz (Evan) and Ethan Patruno, as well as her sisters, brother, nieces Carsyn Matthews and Ava Kate McCauley, nephews William Spicer, Bentley, Conway, and Charlie Whittington, step-nephews Jack and Kylo Rutkiewicz, numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear friends. Dayna is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Howard (Bobby Lee) Gajan, Sr., cousin Daniel Bradley, uncle Howard “Hokie” Gajan Jr., and step-grandfather Norris Marchand. Dayna was a graduate of Central High School, attended Louisiana State University for three years and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She recently obtained certification as a travel agent and was proud of her affiliation with an elite agency.

 A steward of Christ with a quest to travel the world, Dayna had a passion to experience firsthand the wonders of God’s creation. She was happiest on a plane traveling to new countries with her husband and children, serving in various areas of her church, enthusiastically and proudly supporting Kyleigh and Luke in every activity in which they participated, cooking & creating new recipes, fishing, painting, and cheering on LSU sports and New Orleans Saints football. A woman of unshakeable faith, Dayna attended Healing Place Church Highland Campus where she served faithfully for more than 20 years. Her mission was to share the Word of the Lord and lead others to Christ. We know Dayna has climbed the stairway to Heaven and is now wrapped in the arms of Jesus. Relatives and friends are invited to Dayna’s Celebration of Life service at Healing Place Church – Annex Building, 19202 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:30 AM with visitation from 10 AM until service time.