Anna Katherine McDaniel

1992 - 2023

Anna Katherine McDaniel, 30, accepted a permanent role as lead singer and resident rock star of heaven on Sunday, January 22, 2023. Anna was a spectacular daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt and friend to many. While her performance here on earth was cut far too short, we can believe confidently that her voice continues to be a perfect accompaniment to the music in heaven.

Anna was born on July 7, 1992, to parents Steve and Sharron McDaniel in Rome, Georgia. From the moment Anna was born, the metronome that kept the beat of her life was a beat that only she could hear and follow. Her laugh was loud and infectious, and her wit was sharp and quick. She could hold a conversation with anyone that was willing to listen, and strangers quickly became friends. Anna embodied the definition of a middle child- fearlessly independent and free-spirited, with a heart that gave far more than what was ever expected. While she might have been keeping time a little differently than those around her, you could always count on Anna to show up when she was needed.

Anna followed the passions of her heart, forging a path in life that was all her own. She built a vast network of friends through her non-profit and volunteer work, her community of faith, her Decatur neighborhood and her passionate pursuit of music.

Anna changed her corner of the world. She embodied the definitions of love and selflessness. She lived her beliefs unapologetically, and was never afraid to follow the beat of her own drum and live her life on her own terms. To know Anna was truly to love her. Her passion and sense of purpose should be a call to action to all of us she leaves behind to live our lives in a way honors Anna and furthers the causes that she cared so deeply about.

Anna was preceded in death by her Pawpaw, John R. McDaniel, and her Nana, Ruby L. Narmore. Charged with continuing her legacy are her parents, Steve and Sharron McDaniel, grandmother Pat McDaniel, great-aunt Judy Wilson, sisters Sarah (Jordan) Hofeditz and Erin McDaniel, nephews Connor and Caleb Hofeditz, and her four-legged companion Niko.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to one of the places that meant a great deal to Anna: The Atlanta Community Food Bank (give.acfb.org/Anna), Guitar Shed (guitarshedatl.com/info/scholarships/), or the Lifeline Animal Project/Dekalb County Animal Services (dekalbanimalservices.com/donate).

Please join us for Anna's Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 28th from 2-5 p.m. at Resonate Church, 3433 Memorial Drive in Decatur. An informal service will begin at 2 p.m. and following the service we will gather to share stories of Anna's life.