Nannie F. McDaniel

Mrs. Nannie Finney McDaniel died peacefully at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va. on Friday, June 26, 2009.

Nannie was born May 8, 1908, in Cumberland, Va., to Robert and Nannie Finney. She was home-schooled with her brothers and sisters until she left Cumberland to attend The Virginia School for the Blind and Deaf in Newport News, Va. After completing her elementary education she went on to Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute to attend high school. After graduation she continued at Virginia State, where she completed the two-year certificate in secretarial science becoming the first graduate of the newly established Department of Business.

On Dec. 24, 1934, she married Reuben R. McDaniel, a young mathematics professor at the college. They had a son, Reuben Jr., and a daughter, Joann. She later returned to Virginia State College where she completed a bachelor of science degree in business administration, a master of science degree in business administration, followed with graduate study in business at the University of Wisconsin and New York University. Always an honor student, Nannie joined the Alpha Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority while in college and remained a loyal member of Delta Sigma Theta for life. Nannie worked at Virginia State in administrative roles, including secretary to the dean of the college, in the Veteran's Administration office and supervisor of the central stenographic pool. After receiving her master's degree, she accepted a position on the faculty of the Business Department, where she taught courses in secretarial science, economics and introduction to business. Mrs. Mac's classes gave students practical skills that would serve them throughout their lives, as well as a high level understanding of the business world. Her legacy as a professor extends far and wide. Nannie and Mac were a major presence at Virginia State College. Card parties at their home were known for good bridge, great gossip and wonderful food. They never skipped convocation, commencement, honor's day or a home football game. Students were always welcome in their home, where they could get tutoring, the chance to pick up some money doing an odd job or two, or comfort at a time of family crisis. Young faculty members were as welcome at their home as the college president. The McDaniels could be counted on and Nannie was the foundation of that home.

After retiring from Virginia State, Nannie and Mac enjoyed a short but active retirement until Mac's death in January 1975. In September 1976, Nannie was asked to serve as academic dean at Morristown Junior College in Morristown, Tenn.

In 1978, she again retired. After a short period, Nannie took a part-time position at the Virginia State College Federal Credit Union. Her intention at that time was to "help out" for a couple of years. She stayed for 20 years and became a symbol of the supportive role the credit union plays in the life of the Virginia State family. In 1998, she retired for good.

Outside of Virginia State College, the largest force in Nannie's life was certainly Zion Baptist Church. She joined the church in 1943. For 20 years Nannie was the church treasurer and her organization of the daily finances of Zion is felt today. Nannie also founded the Zion Herald News, the church newspaper and was its editor for 45 years. The award-winning newspaper became a voice for Zion, reporting not only church events but news of the Zion family; graduations, civic awards, and other important events in the lives of Zionites. Nannie was also an active member of the Pulpit Aide Society, the Missionary Association and the Ladies Sunday School Class. Until Nannie left Petersburg to live near her daughter in Northern Virginia, she could be found on almost every Sunday morning sitting in her favorite pew. serving as one of the anchors of Zion Baptist Church.

Nannie was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben R. McDaniel Sr.

She is survived by her son, Reuben R. McDaniel Jr. and his wife, Myra; her daughter, Joann Phillips; her grandchildren, Diane Rhodes, Reuben R. McDaniel III, Kimberly Phillips and Christopher Phillips; her sister, Otelia Daring; and her great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Additionally, Nannie leaves all those students, church members and community friends who carry a bit of her with them as they go about their daily lives. We will all miss her.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2009, at Zion Baptist Church, 225 Byrne St., Petersburg, Va.; the Rev. Dr. Andrew J. White Sr., pastor, officiating. Interment will be held at Blandford Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2009, where a Delta Omega Service will be conducted at the funeral establishment.

Family members and friends will assemble at 10:30 a.m. at the church the day of the services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Finney-McDaniel Scholarship Fund at Virginia State University Foundation, P.O. Box 9071, Petersburg, VA 23806.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.