Elizabeth Ann McDaniel

Reverent Child of God, loving daughter, caring sister, coolest of moms, fun-loving aunt and cousin, dedicated teacher, steadfast co-worker, friendly neighbor and loyal friend…

Elizabeth Ann (O’Steen) McDaniel, Beth Ann or BAM, to family and friends was born to parents, Roy Jackson O’Steen and Helen Jean (Bellah) O’Steen on July 26, 1956 in Dallas, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents. Beth Ann grew up in the Buckner Terrace area attending Dallas ISD schools- Ascher Silberstein Elementary, John B. Hood Junior High, and Skyline High School (1974). She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University (1978) where she excelled in her education classes as well as in making new friends and being master of mischief of her 6th floor dormitory, Steen Hall. Beth Ann loved to pretend that the dormitory was actually named for her, and joked that they just forgot the O’ in front of Steen. After starting her teaching career in Dallas ISD, she went on to receive a master’s degree from East Texas State University (1982). Beth Ann was a beloved daughter, and growing up, a willing co-conspirator in all sorts of shenanigans with her brother, Mike O’Steen, and later with his wife Nancy. She was a proud and loving mother to her son, James Adam McDaniel. In fact, if you knew Beth Ann, you knew all about Adam and his many accomplishments, chief among them, the fact that he was absolutely the BEST son EVER! Beth Ann’s realm of influence extended to her beloved nieces and nephew. She was Bang Bang to her brother’s children, Rachel, Jo, and Alex and just fun-loving Beth Ann to Wendy and Chris. Beth Ann shared a very close bond with Aunt Mary and Semo and her “sister cousins” Debbie, Cathy, Jenean, and Angie. She enjoyed making memories at family reunions in Oklahoma with all of the O’Steen clan. She looked forward to Aunt Beth’s burnt butter cake, stories from the uncles, and catching up with all of the cousins.

Beth Ann’s love of family extended to her school family. Beth Ann began her teaching career at Colonial Elementary school, now known as Martin Luther King Jr. Learning Center. She taught at the same school for 38 years, leaving a legacy of love, laughter, and learning to all she encountered. She was well known, loved, and respected in the South Dallas community in which she taught. Over the course of her teaching career, she taught several different grade levels, served as a teacher leader, mentored new teachers, and most recently, worked with dyslexic students. Beth Ann made certain that each student knew what was expected and then worked tirelessly to help them achieve success. She did this with patience and persistence, utilizing creative techniques, her quick wit, and sense of humor. Beth Ann has been known to whip out her ukulele to emphasize a concept with a clever song or do whatever it took to make certain each student performed to potential and knew that he/she was important and mattered. Certainly, Beth Ann made a positive difference in the lives of countless students, parents, and co-workers. Her influence at MLK Learning Center and in the community will be felt for years to come.

Beth Ann made many dear and special friends. Reverent Child of God, loving daughter, caring sister, coolest of moms, fun-loving aunt and cousin, dedicated teacher, steadfast co-worker, friendly neighbor and loyal friend… She will be missed, but never forgotten.