El Donia Daniels

El Donia Minnie Lee Riley was born to Lou Ella Riley and Henderson Butts, in Idabel, Oklahoma, June 1, 1916. She was raised on the family farm and educated in Oklahoma school system. Mother Daniels and her family were very involved in building churches. She moved to Shamrock, Texas, where she married Elder Julius Daniels. Mother Daniels traveled with ministers to states such as Texas, Oklahoma, California, New Mexico and Tennessee, serving as a Bible Reader.

Mother Daniels and her husband settled down in Artesia, New Mexico, with her late brother-in-law, Elder Billy Johnson, late sister, Lillie B. Johnson/Childress and late Mother Riley. Her and the family worked, bought land and built Zion Temple Church of God in Christ.

Mother Daniels taught Sunday School, was a member of the choir and served as church secretary. She even preached alongside of her late husband.

Mother Daniels, was a licensed Missionary in the Church of God in Christ. She was president of the Sewing Circle, Young Peoples Willing Workers and Mother of the church. She was also a member of the Eastern Stars.

She worked at the Artesia Head Start program and in the office of the late Attorney Neil Watson.

Aunt Donie as she was affectionately known as, was very involved with Senior Olympics and was an active participant. Winning numerous metals.

Mother Daniels had a special love for others, so much that she raised Ms. V La Shay Harvey as her daughter. She was known to many as "Aunt Donie."

She would make sure you read the bible, she taught many how to cook, clean, knit, crochet and sew. She said "Cleanliness is next to Godliness."

Mother Daniels is survived by one sister, Zora Lee Grayson, California and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She has left a legacy of grace, strength, love, life and joy that can be seen in her descendants here this day. She was loved dearly and will be missed profoundly.