‘Forever in my heart.’ Family, friends memorialize flight attendant Danasia Brown-Elder
Family and friends memorialized American Airlines flight attendant Danasia Brown-Elder on Saturday as the forever-smiling mom who was always there for them in their times of need.
“I really lost my first best friend, my heart, my everything,” brother Dajour said during her funeral at University City United Methodist Church in Charlotte. “My heart will be broken forever.”
Brown-Elder, 34, died in the Jan. 29 collision of American Eagle Flight 5342 with a military helicopter over Washington, D.C. She and three other Charlotte-based Flight 5342 crew members were among 67 people killed in the crash.
“We’ve been through everything together,” her brother said. “You always had my back, and you knew I always had your front. I will always love you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Brown-Elder graduated from Vance High School, now Julius L. Chambers High, and majored in human resources at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, according to her obituary.
She earned her certification as a dental technician at Kaplan College but pursued and fulfilled what family and friends called her dream of becoming a flight attendant.
Bishop Randy Spencer knew her since she was 13.
“This young lady was a bright morning star,” Spencer said. “She sang in the choir and had a beautiful smile that would illuminate wherever she was. She would make me melt with that beautiful smile and that glow she had.”
Through her actions, friends said, Brown-Elder taught them the meaning of true friendship. “And being a great person,” one told the gathering.
Brown-Elder immediately responded every time they needed help, friends said.
Daughter Cayden described her mother as “a very bright, intelligent person” who “chased her dream” and died “doing what she loved.”
“To lose my mother, it really does hurt,” Cayden said. “But she’s in a better place.”
“I love you, Mommy, and you’re forever in my heart,” Cayden said.
Then she blew kisses to her mom, aiming them to the sky.
This story was originally published February 15, 2025 at 7:26 PM.