Yulandria “Drina” Vondrina Dunlap

Ms. Yulandria Vondrina Dunlap (Drina), 42, of 2 Moorefield Ct., Durham, NC departed this life on August 29, 2023.

She was born to Walter C. Dunlap and the late Deborah T. Dunlap. Drina was the youngest of four and the only girl, born into a loving and supportive family. She was greatly blessed growing up, having had the benefit of the daily presence of her maternal grandmother, “Ann,” whom she absolutely adored. Drina was very energetic and high spirited from the start. She could sometimes be just a little spoiled, but who would blame her, with having 3 older brothers that loved her dearly and they would go to battle with anyone to protect her. Drina had a couple of unsavory situations as an adolescent, but her strong family foundation quickly got her back in line and on the road to becoming the loving, beautiful soul that we all cherished, with her infectious smile and amazing heart. Drina was extremely spiritual and committed to her faith, which was most recently nurtured through the ministry of Greater Love Worship Center of Durham, NC.

Drina was educated through the Rock Hill, SC District 3 school system from 4K-12. She was always extremely athletic, which naturally led her to running track and playing basketball during both her middle school and high school years. It was during her journey at Rock Hill High School where she developed her skills and passion for basketball and became known as “Paco.”

It was here, where she shined and showcased her athletic prowess, earning herself a scholarship to Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC) upon her high school graduation in 1999. After two successful years at SMC, Drina earned an Associate in Science degree, with the intent to transfer to a 4 year college and continue her studies in veterinarian science. Being an animal lover from an early age and having a desire to work within the field, Drina furthered her education by earning her Bachelor of Science in Veterinarian Studies at the NC State University in 2007. From there she worked in animal research at Duke University for over a decade. During that time, she discovered a new passion for theater and puppetry arts. Her talents landed her roles in multiple productions in the Raleigh-Durham area, multi-city traveling tours, that included circuits as notable as NYC. These experiences set Drina on the trajectory to finding what we all believe was her true calling, as an educator at the Central Park School for Children in Durham, NC. While she worked there for only five years, she made a lasting impact, as evidenced by the multiple co- workers that have praised her, became close friends, and a true support system for her. Most impressive are the parents of the children Drina taught, coached, and mentored, that became close friends (family) and remained in her life until the end. Drina had many interests and talents, but the most important characteristic was her enormous loving heart.

Drina departs her journey here on earth and leaves behind many fond memories to be cherished by her father, Walter C. Dunlap of Rock Hill, SC; brothers, Brocktrick D. Levister (Zoltan) of Atlanta, Ga, Jacqwauntius S. Dunlap (Shemekia) of Clover, SC and Karldesmion T. Dunlap (Erica) of Clover, SC; nieces, Ni’Juay, Jadyn, Kamil, and Payton; nephews, Otis, Le’Darrieus, and KJ; two great-nieces, Rylie and Ayla; a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, life-long friends, colleagues, students, basketball mentees, and her theater community. Lastly, but definitely not the least, her beloved fur-baby Max.