Darlene Ann McDaniel

February 16, 1942 - March 15, 2022

Born Darlene Ann Gage on February 16, 1942, in El Paso, TX to parents Harold and Susan Gage, she was granted precisely 80 years of life and was sung into heaven on March 15, 2022, with her dear friend Delores Metcalf at her side and granddaughter Elizabeth singing on the phone. "Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away." Psalms 90:10 NLT A pastor’s daughter herself, Darlene accepted a proposal to life as a devoted Pastor's wife to her husband, Rev. Jerry McDaniel, and was a loving mother to two, Shari and John, while her brother, James (Jim) Gage, was called to serve as a missionary. Clearly, ministry runs deep and wide in her and her family! Her fingers served the Lord behind the piano of many churches, most recently leading the Abiding Love Baptist Church congregation in praise to the Lord. When she wasn't playing, she was likely baking cakes for every and all occasions…birthdays, holidays, and potlucks. Even in her struggles and hardships, she continued to speak of God's goodness, express gratitude, pray for others, and proclaim Jesus Christ as her Savior. Darlene was proceeded in death by her parents, Rev. Harold and Susan (Scifres) Gage; husband, Rev. Jerry McDaniel; and daughter, Shari Perew-Breckenridge. She is survived by Dr. James (Jim) & Carmenza Gage (brother & sister in-law); Rev. John & Jennifer McDaniel (son & daughter in-law) and their children Elizabeth & Evan; Jonathon Perew (grandson) and his daughter Isabella Perew; Sara & David Moore (granddaughter & spouse) and their daughter Quinn Perew; Ray Breckenridge (son in-law); Mack & Charlotte LaGrone (brother in-law & sister in-law); and many nieces & nephews. Darlene’s greatest desire was for her family to know and serve the Lord and to tell everyone she met about the good news of salvation. She was most notably recognized by all for her stylish dress code and picture-ready blonde hair complete with matching shoes and jewelry. She always showed up presenting and giving her best to the Lord and others. May her Heavenly homecoming be celebrated until we meet again on that great Day! A gathering of friends and family will be held Friday, April 1, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Melancon's Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas. A Graveside Service will begin at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Nederland, Texas.