Thelma Jean McDaniel

Thelma Jean McDaniel, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed peacefully from this life on November 5, 2025, at the age of 86. She was born on September 19, 1939, in Haskell, Oklahoma, to Jasper Newton and Mary Jane (Butler) Farrow, one of eight children who filled their home with laughter, love, and faith.

Thelma married the love of her life, Wilbern McDaniel, and together they built a home grounded in love, hard work, and devotion. They were blessed with four children — Steve, Darrell, Donna, and Susan Gail — who were the joy of their hearts.

Throughout her life, Thelma’s caring spirit touched everyone around her. She spent many years working as an aide in a nursing home, where she went above and beyond to ensure those in her care felt comforted and valued. Her kindness and work ethic reflected her deep faith and her calling to serve others. A faithful member of the Pentecostal Church of God in Fort Gibson for over forty years, Thelma’s life was guided by her love for the Lord. She found great joy in fellowship, worship, and lifting up those who needed encouragement.

Outside of work and church, Thelma enjoyed life’s simple pleasures — yard sales, tending to her home, and spending time with her family. Nothing made her happier than having her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered around her. She especially loved sitting outside with Wilbern, keeping him company (and offering a little guidance) as he worked in the yard.

Thelma is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wilbern McDaniel; her daughter, Susan Gail McDaniel; a brother, James Farrow; her sisters, Pauline Ellis, Delaney Walker, Marie James, and Linda Ford; and a great-granddaughter, Shya McDaniel.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith through her children: Steve McDaniel and wife Carolyn of Tahlequah, OK; Darrell McDaniel and wife Johnna of Chetopa, KS; and Donna McDaniel of Tahlequah, OK. She is also survived by her sisters, Virginia Ford of Muskogee, OK, and Katheryn Taylor of Teresita, OK; six treasured grandchildren — Missy Wheeler and husband JD, of Park Hill, OK Randy McDaniel, Stephen McDaniel, both of Tahlequah, OK Stacy Ferguson and husband Chris, of Tulsa, OK, Susan Weaver, of Tahlequah, OK and Serenity McDaniel of Chetopa, KS — ten great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Though she is gone from our sight, Thelma’s gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and boundless love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

A graveside service celebrating Thelma’s life will be on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Citizens Cemetery in Fort Gibson, OK with Brother David Jones.

Pallbearers will be JD Wheeler, Stephen McDaniel, Randy McDaniel, Vincent McDaniel, Haden Weaver, and Edwin McDaniel.

A visitation will be held at Reed-Culver Funeral Home in Tahlequah, OK, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.