Blanche McDaniel

Blanche McDaniel, 90, of rural Palestine, IL, passed away on Monday, May 23, 2022, in the comfort of her home. She was born March 3, 1932, in Palestine, the daughter of Carl & Ruth (Baker) White, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Paul W. McDaniel on May 1, 1953, and he preceded her in death on July 31, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Beverly Fritchie and Bernetta Williamson, and by her brother, Bruce White
She is survived by her son & daughter-in-law, Jim & DiAnne McDaniel (Decatur, IL); by her daughter & son-in-law, Susan & Jeff Miller (Bloomington, IN); by her grandchildren, Katie L. & husband Andrew Wilson, Allison Miller, and Abby Miller; by her great-grandchildren, Zoe Wilson and Tobias Wilson; by her sister, Betty Newlin (Robinson, IL); as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.
Blanche grew up in Palestine, where this outgoing overachiever earned the title of Homecoming Queen while graduating near the top of her class in 1950. Her God-given intelligence served her well throughout her career. Though she worked as a clerk at Brown's Jewelry Store in Robinson for a time, her gift for numbers led her to become a bank teller and, eventually, a bookkeeper. In this capacity, she worked for both the Crawford County Farm Bureau as well as Magill's Hardware & Furniture Store in Palestine. Never one to let dust settle, Blanche also ran a flower shop, Country Creations, out of her home and also sold produce alongside her husband, Paul.
Much of her free time found Blanche painting, and this particular gifting led to many precious works of art that will be forever cherished by her loved ones. It was evident that this dear woman was the matriarch of her family. The cords of her love were what bound everyone together. She was immensely proud of her children, and her grandchildren were each the apple of her eye. Her nieces and nephews could all attest to their dear aunt's loving-kindness; after all, this precious soul didn't have a bad word to say about anybody. In fact, it could be said that her words had the power to uplift and heal. Blanche led the Palestine First Christian Church's card ministry and, through the written word, she was blessed to shower others with the love of Jesus. That same love has now brought her into eternal communion with her Heavenly Father as well as those who have gone on before her in faith. So, with peace and hope, we can assuredly say, "Until we meet again!"
A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 28th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, with Pastor Dennis Steckley officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by visiting www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream.
Burial will be in the Palestine Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to either "Shriners Hospitals for Children", "Good Samaritan Hospice", or to the "Palestine First Christian Church". Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.