Mildred Ward Daniel

Mildred Ward Daniel has always been known as a loving, outgoing, and nurturing woman of great faith. She deeply loved her family, adored her friends, and never met a stranger. Her blessed life of 94 years allowed her to enjoy 5 generations of her direct lineage, be the last 1st generation survivor of her parents’ lineage, and the last 2nd generation survivor of her paternal grandparents’ lineage.

Mildred was born on June 3, 1932, to the late Arthur and Luvenia Cutright Ward in Morgan County, and raised in the Farmington/ Bishop area of Oconee County, GA. She was the youngest of 8 children – Mary Jane, Bertha, Ruth, Hallie, Martha, Warner, and Baby Boy Ward, all who preceded her in death. She often shared stories of the 1-room schoolhouse she would attend. She eventually met & married the love of her life Pim Daniel. To this union, three children were born, Charles, Lillie, and Dennis. The family moved from Oconee County, and primarily resided in Athens, GA. In 1964, they purchased a new home in The Pines Subdivision located at 230 Nellie B. Avenue, where she resided as the last original homeowner, until her death. She was a pillar in her community. Her home was blessed. She opened her doors to family and friends when they needed a place to stay. She loved homemaking. She took exceptional care of her home which still boasts its original hardwood floors in impeccable shape!

She loved gardening. You could often find her working in her yard. Her flowers were her prize possessions, and she cared for them with her green thumb. She was a thrift shopper. She would map out her yard and estate sale addresses from Friday afternoon paper. She worked outside of the home in various industries and operated her own home daycare for years. She loved to cook! Some of the best turnip greens, collard greens, fried corn, cornbread, sweet tea, peach and blackberry pies came from her kitchen. She could take a little and feed a lot, often cooking for several households – especially her mouthwatering Sunday dinners. Each summer, she would travel to various farms for fresh corn, greens, peaches, peas, in order to fill her freezer for the months to come. As recently as last month with her health failing, she was determined to travel to the farm and lead us in freezing over 100 ears of fresh corn.

She loved attending family reunions, celebratory events, and traveling. Her favorite souvenirs were destination magnets, which covered her refrigerator on all sides. Mildred loved God, going to church, and God’s people. Respectfully titled Mother Daniel, she was a prayer warrior. She would seek God’s face not only for the needs of her and her family, but for anyone she encountered. She began her Christian journey as a child by joining and being baptized at Mount Perry Baptist Church in Bishop, GA. Once married, she would also regularly attend Mount Zion Baptist Church in Farmington, GA alongside her husband. Moving to Athens, she also attended Ebeneezer East Baptist Church. She later connected to Faith Temple C.O.G.I.C. and New Joy C.OG.I.C, in 2004, becoming one of the founding members of Heaven Bound Ministries, where she faithfully served. Mother Daniel served as the Superintendent of Sunday School and dismissed each class with “Every member present, every Sunday, on time, with his or her own bible, a prepared lesson, and a mind to learn.” She also served as President of the Women’s Department, proudly hosting Women’s Day each September where she would often note “Didn’t our hearts burn,” and the Annual Candlelight Service each December which included her well-known Color-Rama candle presentation. She visited other churches regularly, even when she could no longer drive, she would coordinate her own rides in/around the Athens, GA area. She took her church apparel as seriously as she took her salvation. She loved to get her hair “pressed & curled,” wear nice suits & dresses, fine jewelry, and show-stopping hats. Her “hattitude” was blessed & highly favored.

• She was preceded in death by her husband Pim Daniel, her son’s Charles and Dennis Daniel, and grandson’s Channing Taylor and Micah Daniel. She leaves to cherish her memories her beloved daughter Lillie Marie “Ree” Daniel Taylor. Daughter-In-Law Kathy Daniel. Grandchildren – Stacey (Doris) Daniel, Quin Daniel, Shannon (Douglas) Watkins, Juliet (Demetrius) Robinson, Melanie Ashley Taylor, Cynetria (Antwon) Givens, Damon Bloodsaw, Jimmy Sturgis. Great-Grandchildren – Alexia Daniel, Doug Watkins, Quinton Johnson, Deja (Aaron) McKinnon, Brittany Robinson, Dakayla Watkins, Alexandria Daniel, Chandler Taylor, Devin Watkins, Jonathan Baker, Ariel Robinson, Mykha Daniel, Kay’Miyah Daniel, Journey Daniel. Great-Great Grandchildren – Aubrey Givens, Ava Wakins, Demi Watkins. Bonus grandson Daniel Smalls, Bruce Watkins, John Hitchcok, Andren Hill, bonus great-grandson John Whitaker. 9 nieces, 6 nephews, and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews. Close cousins Emma Mae Hunter. Ronny (Hariette) Munford, Clarke (Cynthia) McKeever, James (Stephanie) Hart. Loving friends, Lillie Williams, Joann Smith, Doris Bell, and Debra Little. Special neighbors Troy “Black” Ridgeway, Renee & Kim Howard, John Mithchell. Though she may be gone from our sight, her love, strength, and beautiful spirit will never be forgotten.