Luella S McDaniel

Oh, what a glorious day! Luella Shires McDaniel, of New Castle, Virginia walked through the “Pearly Gates of Heaven” on Friday, April 19, 2019, at the age of 90 and greeted by her Risen Savior, family and friends. Luella was a light in this world giving of her time and talents to serve others faithfully. One can only imagine the beauty she is beholding. Luella was a faithful and dedicated member of the Forks of Johns Creek Christian Church for over 50 years. Luella was born in Paint Bank, Virginia on December 9, 1928, the daughter of late George and Leona Shires. She is the oldest of eleven children. She is preceded in death by sisters Wanda Donahue, Joann Moore, and brother Melvin Shires. Surviving brothers and sisters are Betty Bostic, Patsy Zimmerman, Roberta Franklin, Margaret Huffman, Carol Shires, Tommy Shires, and Barabara Elmore. She was a loving wife and mother; she was preceded in death by her husband, Ewell B. McDaniel. Left to cherish her memory and celebrate her life are children Susan Helems and husband, Eddie; Patrick McDaniel and wife, Cindy; Jim McDaniel and Diane Early. She was lovingly known as “Granny Lou” to her grandchildren Adrian and husband, Hank Luton; Alex and wife, Rachel Helems; Shawn and Laura McDaniel; Tara Harris; Brandy Moses and husband, Matt. Her great-grandchildren include Hudson and Macon Luton, Laila Helems, Savannah Harris, Alyssa Bland, and Mia Moses. Luella loved games, laughter, family get-togethers, and ice cream or any other dessert for that matter. But, she “really” loved ice cream. Puzzles and more puzzles, Luella loved them all from cross-word puzzles to 1000 piece puzzles. Plus, she loved games, Bingo was one of her favorite games, and no family event took place without pulling it out; it always included laughter and allegations of cheating. Pictionary was another one of her favorite games, although she could only draw a circle, then laugh because no-one could guess the object. Luella always had a smile on her face, and she looked for the good in any situation. She often said one could choose to be happy, and she chose to be happy. One of the things in life that she enjoyed most was getting her hair fixed. Luella had a standing (weekly) 50 plus year hair appointment to look her best on Sunday, and her son-in-law Eddie ensured she made it faithfully after moving to New Castle. Luella was a great cook and tried new recipes all the time for family and church functions. She was an integral part of her church, and she served in many capacities from teaching Sunday school, helping coordinate vacation bible school and preparing the communion. Her talents didn’t stop there, she dressed up in many costumes, but her favorite was the role of Mrs. Claus, and she graciously played the role this past year. Visitation will be at Paitsel Funeral Home, New Castle VA on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Wednesday 24, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Forks of Johns Creek Christian Church. Bill Frazier, Luella’s paster for many years will be officiating, interment will follow at Paint Bank Community Cemetery at Paint Bank, VA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Forks of Johns Creek Christian Church, 84 Dicks Creek Road, New Castle VA 24127.

Luella S McDaniel

December 9, 1928 - April 19, 2019