Mary Vivian McDaniel

A beautiful soul has taken flight at the call of our Heavenly Father from the distractions and weariness of time to the peace of Eternity. Today, we salute the Homegoing Celebration of Ms. Mary Vivian McDaniel.

Mary was born in Columbia, South Carolina to the late Sallie Katherine McDaniel on September 28, 1961; the sixth child out of nine children. A devoted mother, nurturing grandmother, caring sister, loving aunt, friend to all and a woman of God, Mary departed from her Earthly home on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Mary, fondly called “Viv” received her education from Richland School District One in Columbia, SC. She was a proud graduate of Eau Claire High School. She accepted Christ into her life at an early age. She was nurtured in a caring and loving home along with her five sisters; Florence McDaniel English, JoAnn McDaniel Johnson, Sandra McDaniel, Jeoremetha Jacobs, Trician McDaniel and three brothers; Willie McDaniel, Frankie J. McDaniel, and Elmore Ashford (LaTrice) McDaniel. Florence and Willie proceeded her in death.

Mary was a very genuine and humble person. She had a zest for life. She loved dancing and always enjoyed a good laugh while telling some of her favorite jokes and childhood stories. She loved listening to R&B music and the Blues. Whenever she wasn’t on the phone with her niece Sally McDaniel, you could find her playing Monopoly Go or shopping for antiques. Most would describe her as the life of the party. There was never a dull moment while in her presence. She was family oriented and kept in touch with her family members regularly.

Mary was employed as a bus driver for Richland School District’s One and Two and Johnson Food Service. She retired from Richland School District One’s Environmental Service department.

In addition to her parents, she was also proceeded in death by her son, Charles McDaniel; and grandson Akeem Tariq Gantt.

Mary leaves to cherish her precious memory her six beautiful children, Cecille McDaniel, Alexander Woods McDaniel, Frances (Maurice) Gibson, Garnelle McDaniel, Riley T. McDaniel, and Princess M. McDaniel; grandchildren, Alexis S. McDaniel, Antonio M. Gantt, Jr., Rahiem T. T. Gantt, Charles McDaniel, Kynada McDaniel, Israel McDaniel, Journey McDaniel, Chase McDaniel, Maurice Gibson, Max Gibson, Mauri Gibson, Maliah Gibson, Mekhi Gibson, Makaila Gibson, Arnez Thompson, Jr., Armonee Thompson, Arhmad Thompson, Ariaye Thompson;  great-grandchildren, Akira Hoskins, Amir Hoskins, Amor Hoskins; an uncle, Moses McDaniel, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Today we celebrate Mary and the life she lived. She was a true servant of God. Whenever she encountered someone in need you could always count on her to lend a helping hand. We will miss her dearly but have our memories of her to comfort us until we meet again. Rejoice that she has completed the journey she started the day she accepted The Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior.

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