Janelle McDaniel

Janelle McDaniel, 77, of Midland, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Service will be held Monday, May 4, 2026 at 11:00am at First Methodist Church, 300 North Main Street, Midland, Texas 79701.

Janelle was born on July 12, 1948, in Elizabeth, Louisiana, to Hughie and Chester Baham. She was raised in Oakdale, Louisiana alongside her four sisters, where she built the foundation of a life centered on family, faith, and caring for others. Janelle graduated from Oakdale High School in 1966 and went on to graduate from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where she studied Home Economics.

While in college, she met the love of her life, Joseph McDaniel, after being introduced by mutual friends. Following graduation, Janelle returned home to teach in Oberlin while Joseph served in the United States Army in California. They were married on December 19, 1969, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted fifty-six years.

In 1970, Janelle and Joseph moved to Dallas, Texas, where Joseph began his career with Texas Instruments. They welcomed their first child, Jody, in 1974, and later their daughter, Janai, in 1978.

Janelle returned to teaching in 1989, balancing her love of education with her dedication to raising her family. She pursued and earned her master’s degree from Texas A&M Commerce, a reflection of her determination and lifelong love of learning. Janelle taught at Lake Highlands High School and retired in 2010, just before the arrival of her fifth grandchild.

Janelle was a talented seamstress who lovingly blessed so many through her gift of sewing. From recreating wedding gowns and prom dresses to making the most beautiful quilts and blankets, her work was a reflection of her creativity and care for others. She also loved to cook and feed anyone who walked through her door. Her grandchildren especially cherished time in her kitchen, helping her bake and enjoying her famous cookies.

She was a faithful Christian and member of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, where her devotion was a cornerstone of her life. She made it a priority to instill these same beliefs in her children, raising them in the church and grounding them in the faith she cherished.

Janelle is survived by her husband of 56 years, Joseph McDaniel; her son, Jody McDaniel of Cedar Park, Texas, and his wife, Kathryn; her daughter, Janai Rogers of Midland, Texas, and her husband, Todd; and her five beloved grandchildren, Jacob McDaniel, Owen Rogers, Brody Rogers, Liam McDaniel, and Henley Rogers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hughie and Chester Baham, and her four sisters, Bonnie McCauley, Laveda Farmer, Sharon Johnson, and Pam Johnson.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Home Hospice of Midland, the compassionate staff at Manor Park, and the many friends who supported and cared for them during this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Manor Park online at www.manorparkinc.org or by check to Manor Park, Inc., 2208 N Loop 250 W, Midland, TX 79707. Another option is Home Hospice, 601 East 2nd Street, Odessa, Texas 79761.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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