Mary McDaniel

MARY R. "BILLYE" McDANIEL, 95, died Friday, September 4, 2009. She grew up in Nicholasville, Jessamine County, Kentucky, the youngest daughter of Jennie June (Nave) and Louis A. Price, descendants of pioneer settlers of the region. Attending Transylvania University of Lexington, Kentucky on a Music Scholarship at the age of 15, she was a member of the Band and Orchestra, was accompanist for the Glee Club, and performed in concert for the Kentucky College Artists Series. She was an accomplished musician and mastered the organ, piano, violin, cello, and French horn. During WW II, she volunteered as a Red Cross Ambulance driver before joining the United States Marine Corps where she met and married Staff Sergeant C. R. McDaniel, U.S.M.C. Mr. & Mrs. McDaniel moved to El Paso in 1951 from Big Spring, Texas where she helped found and operate the McDaniel-Bullion Funeral Home. Having served as organist for the University Presbyterian Church on Stanton St. and First Christian Church for various periods of time, she later was church organist at the Coronado Christian Church for many years. Her church membership was in the First Baptist Church where she was substitute pianist for her Sunday School Class during her years of attendance. Mrs. McDaniel retired as Corporate Secretary and Director of Harding-Orr & McDaniel Funeral Homes and The Memorial Chapel and played the organ for hundreds of funeral services for families of every religious faith. She also enjoyed the lighter side of being a musician and played the Shrine calliope in front of the old Liberty Hall during the El Paso Downtown Lion's Club's Variety Shows held many years ago. Entertaining during many Saturday matinees, she was one of the few local musicians qualified to play the Grand Wurlitzer Organ at the Plaza Theater. She was Past President of the original Morehead School P.T.A. and the El Paso High School P.T.A., was a two-term President of the City Council P.T.A., and was a Life Member of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers. Her memberships include El Minya Court #46 of the Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America and Rosetta Temple #61 of the Daughters of the Nile where she was musician for both organizations. As a member of the Ladies Oriental Shrine, she was elected President of the Mystic Jewels and was a Glock player for the organization. Other interests included being an avid Bridge player, weaver, and golfer. She was Past President of the Women's Golf Association of the El Paso Country Club, Past President of the Pytaya Toastmistress' Club, Past President and 2500 hour volunteer for the Providence Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, founding member and two-term President of the Assistance League of El Paso, 50-year member of Ysleta Chapter #991 O.E.S., former member of the El Paso Archeological and El Paso Zoological Societies, served as Treasurer of the El Pan Presbyterian Food Bank for 10 years, 50-year member and former Treasurer of the Women's Club of El Paso, 37-year member of the Tennessee Squire Assn., and Past Regent, Past Treasurer, and Charter Member of the Paso del Norte Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In addition, she was a volunteer for the United Blood Services for 17 years and was a volunteer driver for Meals-On-Wheels for a number of years. Mrs. McDaniel was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, C. R. "Pete" McDaniel in 1996. Survivors: Sons and Daughters-in-Law, James R. and Phyllis McDaniel, Fred L. and Brenda K. McDaniel, all of El Paso; Grandchildren, Maribeth McDaniel White and husband, Kelly, Rowlett, TX, Grant R. McDaniel and wife Shelley, Pflugerville, TX, Matthew R. McDaniel and wife Heidi, Lubbock, TX, Fred T. McDaniel and wife Lindsey, Spring, TX, Bryce L. McDaniel and wife Leslie, Jacksonville, TX; Great Granddaughters, Kellyn Noel White, Kassidy Elizabeth White, both of Rowlett, TX, Ileigh Elizabeth McDaniel, Lubbock, TX, Madeline Nicole McDaniel, Sophie Lowery McDaniel, both of Jacksonville, TX, Abby Elizabeth McDaniel, Hadlee Jordan McDaniel, both of Spring, TX; Great Grandson, Dylan Ray McDaniel, Pflugerville, Texas; Step-Grandchildren, Jedediah A. Anderson and wife Jenny, DeSoto, TX, Kristy Wort and husband Bill; Step-Great Granddaughters, Kelsie Pierson, Taylee Nicole Dyer, all of Lancaster, TX. Graveside Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 10:00 AM at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. The family requests that Memorial Contributions be made to the sender's favorite church or charity. Arrangements by Martin Funeral Home West.