Yvonne P. McDaniel

Yvonne Pamela McDaniel (née Ferguson), daughter of the late Cephas Ferguson and Clarabelle Ferguson (née Williams), peacefully went home to join her Heavenly Father on March 31, 2025. She was a loving and caring daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, godmother, and friend. As a child, her mother, Clarabelle, gave her the name, 'Gem' because of her radiant personality, and throughout her life she affectionately became known as Gem to her loved ones. She was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Gem was born on July 6, 1948, at Victoria Jubilee Maternity Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica. She received her formative education in Jamaica at St. Mary's All-Age School and St. James Primary School. Then, she attended Oberlin High School in western St. Andrew Parish, where she excelled in her studies, and took special interest in running track and playing several other sports. While on the track team, she represented Oberlin High School in the Eastern Athletics Championships, a major track and field competition featuring the best junior athletes in the region.

During her high school years, she also received the Lord as her personal Savior and was baptized.

Upon graduating from Oberlin High School, Gem moved to the United States and matriculated into Howard University in Washington, DC. She found her calling in healthcare and graduated from Howard University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on May 8, 1976. After graduation, she began her career as a registered nurse in the medical surgical department at Howard University Hospital. Also, in October 1976, Gem married Willie McDaniel, Jr., whom she met while pursuing her nursing degree.

At Howard University Hospital, it was not long before Gem discovered her love of caring for newborns and supporting mothers in the labor and delivery department. She often spoke of her numerous celebrations of new life as well as the many times she grieved and prayed alongside families experiencing their greatest loss. Her commitment to her patients epitomized her genuine sensitive and empathetic nature. She retired from her career as a nurse in April 2014, after nearly 40 years of selfless and dedicated service.

Gem had a passion for traveling, visiting Hawaii, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Egypt, Israel, several European countries, and numerous Caribbean islands, to name a few destinations. She also enjoyed many sea adventures on cruise liners with family and friends. Gem had a gift for gardening and was known for her vast annual harvests of flower blooms, various fruits, and an array of vegetables including callaloo, okra, and tomatoes. Her prized peonies decorated her yard and she was quick to show them to anyone who stopped by. Visitors to her home would always leave with an armful of vegetables from her backyard or one of the many dishes she loved to cook. Gem never shied away from a lively debate about politics or sports, especially when it came to defending her favorite sports teams. She had an infectious smile, an enthusiastic sense of humor, the most memorable laugh, and a joyful, generous heart full of compassion. She loved the Lord and loved sharing the Lord with others.

She never missed joining her Sunday school group and regularly attended prayer service on Fridays. Her devotion to praising God and renewing her faith was like fresh air to her.

Gem leaves to cherish her memory, her sister, Lorna Crosskill-Robinson, her nephews, Alton Chaplin and Kirk Chaplin, and a host of cousins, godchildren, extended family, lifelong friends, and loved ones. Although she will be deeply missed, we give honor and glory to God for the time that He gave us with our beloved Gem. May her memory inspire and live on in the hearts of all who loved her, and may her soul rest in eternal peace with the Lord.

Gem found solace and community at Trinity Assembly of God in Lanham, MD, where her funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 26th, with visitation at 9:00 am and service at 11:00 am. Interment will immediately follow in George Washington Cemetery in Adelphi, MD.

Flowers and condolences will be accepted by Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home in Silver Spring, MD on behalf of the family.