At 17, she graduated from Northside High School in Fort Worth where she played trumpet in the marching band with her future husband, Leon. After graduating in 3 years from University of North Texas, she began dating the love of her life, Leon. They eloped and married on August 7, 1953. After living in Fort Worth a short while, they moved to Irving, Texas.
Janelle taught elementary school for 32 years and over 30 of those years were spent passionately teaching First Grade for Irving ISD where she became a Lifetime Member of the Texas PTA. She retired in 1988 because she was going to become a grandmother. Her devotion and love for her grandkids was unstoppable. She spent her busy retirement years volunteering at her grandkids’ schools, teaching Sunday school, attending ALL of her grandkids’ activities, cooking amazing meals and traveling to the beach with her family, attending Bible study, making jewelry, doing crossword puzzles and water aerobics.
Janelle was an avid reader her entire life and a strong advocate for reading to everyone she knew, especially her students. She loved the Lord, her family, and teaching. At this time, she wants everyone to be joyful and remember the happy times.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 60 years, Charles Leon McDaniel, who passed in March 2014. Also preceded by, her parents; Edward and Alma Whitlock and her sister June Dunn.
She is survived by her son, Glenn McDaniel of St Petersburg, Florida, daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and David Banning of Colleyville, Texas; Grandchildren: Bradley Banning, Braxton Banning, Brielle Banning and her fiancé Brandon Waldrum.
The family is grateful for all the support they received from their friends, family and prayer warriors. They also appreciate Audrey, Fred, caregivers and Grand Brook staff who gave their mom loving care.
