Sara Ann (Maddox) McDaniel

Sara Ann (Maddox) McDaniel went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 19, 2025 after a five year struggle with COVID-induced dementia at the age of 81. Sara was born on November 24,1943 to Homer and Martha (Farley) Maddox in Indianapolis, IN. She spent many of her formative years on the Southwest side of Indianapolis at church, in the family funeral business, and at the piano. She graduated from George Washington High School in 1961. Following her graduation she enrolled at Olivet Nazarene University where she studied music and traveled extensively across the Midwest with a women’s music evangelist group. She earned a degree in Music Education in 1965 which led to a career teaching music in the Indianapolis Public Schools and Warren Township Schools. She retired in 2003 from Sunny Heights Elementary School. During her time as a music educator, She arranged countless programs, concerts, and events. Sara also earned her Masters in Music Education from Butler University.

Sara and her husband, David, spent many years performing at the Boggstown Inn and Cabaret as well as six years traveling with the Irvington Gospel Quartet. She could also be seen performing at the Indiana State Museum, the Indiana State Fair, Oasis Clubs, the Missoula Children’s Theatre, and wherever her children requested the support of a phenomenal accompanist including a six year tenure as Momma McDaniel for the Monrovia High School Show Choir.

Sara served as the Music Director at Greenwood Nazarene Church and Northside Nazarene Church.

In 1992, Sara began ministering at Franklin Road Baptist Church as the pianist and Music Director. She faithfully served at FRBC for 31 years leading the choir, JOY Group, and many other music ministries.

Sara served as the President and on the board of the Warren Arts and Education Foundation. In addition to her service to her church and the community, Sara also served as an adjunct professor of Music History at Crossroads Bible College.

She loved to sew, sing, read, cook, and shop, but most importantly she loved to spend time with her family. She was at every game, performance, and event for her children and grandchildren. Always beaming with pride and grateful for the opportunities to watch us all grow.

Sara is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, David, son Adam (Katie) McDaniel, daughter Leah (James Semmelroth-Darnell) Bussell, grandchildren Mark Bussell, Drake McDaniel, Jade Bussell, Lucy Belle McDaniel, and Beau McDaniel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Dan Maddox, son-in-law Chris Bussell, and three precious grand babies: Judah, Sylvie, and Joy McDaniel.

Sara loved the Lord her God with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength and we are thrilled to know that she is now rejoicing at the feet of Jesus.

Memorial gifts can be made to Franklin Road Baptist Church or the Indiana State Museum.

 A visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 3:30-5:30PM at Franklin Road Baptist Church, 51 N Franklin Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46219. A funeral service will follow the visitation beginning at 6PM. Arrangements are in the care of Flanner Buchanan-Memorial Park.