McDaniel, Thelma Davis

An avid camper and retired baker from Pulaski County High School cafeteria, Thelma Jane Davis McDaniel, age 78 of Pulaski, became a citizen of God’s glorious kingdom Monday, September 8, 2023, while at her home with husband by her side and surrounded by her loving family. Born January 15,1945 in Wythe County she was the daughter of the late Dave and Mary Epperson Davis.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, June, Earnest, Harry, Jim and Bruce Davis. Thelma is survived by her soulmate of 58 years, Edward Paul McDaniel of Pulaski. Their love story began in 1961 when meeting for first time at Bill McCloud’s store in Ivanhoe, Va. They married October 4, 1964 and held an inseparable bond of affection for each other fused by God. He and she enjoyed everything together and made life-long memories of camping, gardening, singing in the church choir and fellowship with friends and family.

She passed down to her children, Karen McDaniel (Keith) White of Dublin and Eddie McDaniel (Trent) Taylor of Roanoke, a strong work ethic and to have a heart after God. One granddaughter, Elly Grace White, who lit up her world and brought much joy and laughter into her life. She was a dedicated sister to Nancy Viar of Dublin whom she treasured. Brothers-Doug (Louise) Davis-Ivanhoe and George Marshall Davis-Wytheville.

She cherished her extended family: Doc & Sherry Skewes, Dr. Matt and Tara Skewes, Lisa & Tommy Akers and Randy Webb. They enriched each others life, shared many pizzas and apple pies but most of all much love, friendship and eye-watering laughter. Thelma began her camping excursion in 1972 at RJ Ranch currently known as Lake Ridge Hillsville, Va. As a member of Lake Ridge home owners, she forged many treasured friends while singing around a campfire, making breakfast, baking or playing corn hole. She took much pride in her flowers and decorating her cabin for Christmas in July competition, which she won 3 consecutive years.

​Thelma was well known for her numerous of jokes and stories, infamous preacher cookies, chocolate and peanut butter fudge, fondness for squirrels and a dedicated Washington Commanders (Redskins) fan. She enjoyed, in her spare time, gardening and annual vegetable canning. She was a dependable doer and was always willing to help people out no matter the task. She exemplified the true meaning of “I’ll be there”.

Above all, Thelma valued her Christian faith. As a proud 30+ year member of the Church of God, she was passionate about being in the choir where she worshiped God with all her heart and soul with hands held high. Always eager to bake or make any foods for her church family in need. She shared and showed her love for Christ Jesus. As she left this world, she entered praising and rejoicing to be in the presence of her Lord and Savior for she had arrived to her ultimate destination. Celebration of Thelma’s arrival to Heaven will be held 11:00 AM – Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Pulaski Church of God with Pastor Donald Jones officiating. Entombment will follow at the Highland Memory Garden-Mausoleum, Dublin.

Family and friends will be warmly received from 5:00-7:00 PM – Thursday September 21, 2023 at Bower Funeral Home, Pulaski. Bower Funeral Homes, Pulaski is handling the arrangements for the family.