Wilma Mcdaniel

Wilma McDaniel, 84, of Palestine, IL, peacefully passed into the arms of her Savior on September 30, 2024. Born at home in Heathsville, IL, on April 23, 1940, Wilma grew up in a small community that shaped her hardworking and resilient spirit. Having lived her entire childhood without indoor plumbing, the modest circumstances of her upbringing forged Wilma into the person we grew to know and love. Her determination and charisma shone brightly during her years at Palestine High School, where she became a cheerleader and was crowned Homecoming Queen, memories that reflected her energy, grace, and spirit.

It was in high school that Wilma met the love of her life, Terry McDaniel. The story of how they became sweethearts-Terry initially asked her to prom so his friend could ask someone else-was just the beginning of their love story. On September 28, 1958, they were married, and their partnership would last over six decades until Terry's passing in 2019. Together, they built a life centered around family and faith. As Wilma started attending the First Christian Church of Palestine with Terry, her love for the Lord grew deeper and deeper, becoming a lifelong, defining part of who she was. As she took on the responsibility of raising her family and serving her church community, her actions embodied the servant heart of Christ. From organizing bereavement dinners at church to delivering cookies and fellowship to shut-ins, she brought warmth, love, and comfort to all she met. Wilma's service was never done for recognition but as a true reflection of the Spirit of God working through her.

At home, Wilma was known for her ceaseless energy-never one to sit still, she was always cleaning, arranging, and taking care of her yard. Each spring, she would replace her mulch because she couldn't stand to see a single leaf in it, a testament to her attention to detail and love for bringing beauty to the world around her. She was, after all, a woman who found joy in the simple things-the feel of a perfectly clean house, the smell of fresh mulch in her garden, and the satisfaction of making something delicious from scratch. Wilma's homemade noodles were famous far and wide, and her persimmon pudding was a taste of heaven on earth. Through her talents as a cook and seamstress, she made her house a home, providing for her family in countless ways. Her children never knew want, for she clothed them with both her hands and her love, always making sure they were cared for. Wilma's love for her family was steadfast, and she carried them through the ups and downs of life with quiet strength. After Terry's debilitating work accident, she became his caregiver, and the two could often be seen biking around Palestine-just one of the many ways they stayed active together. Their bond was a testament to their commitment, as Wilma supported and loved Terry until the end.

She carried this same devotion into her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Wilma held high standards for her children, ensuring they were in church every Sunday and dressed in their Sunday best. She believed in raising them with love, but also with an unwavering dedication to teaching them how to live lives of integrity. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever remember her as their biggest cheerleader at ballgames and the source of endless love and encouragement. Wilma's home was always open to others-on holidays, especially during the Labor Day parade, she would gather family and friends around the table for a feast. One year, a stranger even joined the gathering, seeing the spread of food and feeling the warmth that seemed to radiate from her hospitality. It was just who Wilma was-selfless, welcoming, and ever-attentive to the needs of others. Her life was a living example of God's grace and love, made manifest in the countless ways she served those around her.

Those who knew Wilma often remarked that she would have a special place in heaven. Today, we can be assured that this is exactly where she is, with Jesus and reunited with those who have gone before her. Her life was a testament to the goodness of God, and her spirit will continue to inspire those she left behind: her children & their spouses, Terri & Mark Fuller (Palestine, IL), Sherri & Mike Massie (Greenwood, IN), and Roger & Sarah McDaniel (Indianapolis, IN); her grandchildren, Ashlee Massie, Kelsey McDaniel, Christopher Massie, Brant & Sierra Fuller, Jacob McDaniel, and Jackson McDaniel; her great-grandchildren, Tanner Fuller and Taylor Fuller; her sister, Carol Johnson; her sisters-in-law, Linda Fulling and Cinda & Kenny Nelson; her brother-in-law, Tim & Linda McDaniel; as well as several nieces & nephews. In addition to her husband Terry, she was also preceded in death by her parents, Horace Norton & Ruth (Racop) Norton; her parents-in-law, Carroll & Almeda McDaniel; her sisters, Helen Miller, Betty Wilson, and Ruth Warren; her brother, Noble Norton; and her son, Anthony "Tony" Wayne McDaniel.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. A funeral service will immediately follow and be held at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Dennis Steckley and Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, family and friends will be given the opportunity to speak to the fullness of her life by sharing their favorite stories of this dear soul. In honor of her many years of dedicated service to her family of faith, memorial contributions may be made to the "First Christian Church of Palestine", with envelopes available at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Palestine Cemetery.