Sylvia Maxine McDaniel

Sylvia “Maxine” McDaniel, born May 28, 1934, in Piso, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at her home in Mechanicsville, Virginia on December 7, 2025, at the age of 91, with her children Charles and Lynn by her side. She lived a long and meaningful life, defined by her deep love for her husband of 53 years, her children, grandchildren, and her extended family. Maxine’s greatest joy was found in the company of those she loved, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

For many years, Maxine worked as a Teacher's Aide with the Albemarle County School System at Stone Robinson Elementary School, where she touched the lives of countless students with patience and kindness. In January of 1976, she relocated to Kentucky, continuing to devote herself to her family and community.

An avid animal lover, Maxine also delighted in reading, solving word search puzzles, cooking, sewing, and tending to her garden in her spare time. Her warmth, creativity, and devotion will be remembered by all who knew her. She and her husband loved gospel music and would travel all around to support some of their favorite groups.

She is survived by her son, Charles T. McDaniel “Tommy”; her daughter, Lynn McDaniel Wingen, and husband Greg; her beloved grand dog, Carolina; her children, Scott and Tram Ngo; and her cherished grandchildren, Chloe L. Ngo, Jaxx Thomas Ngo, and Tyler Durrer. She was also a second mother to a host of others, who held a special place in her heart. In addition, Maxine loved and nurtured a host of many others as a mother would, and they lovingly referred to her as "Mama Mac."

She was preceded in death by her parents, Amos Ray and Mary Maynard Harrison; her beloved husband of 53 years, James T. McDaniel; her youngest daughter, Jane Ellen McDaniel Aschenauer; and her sister, Virginia Carol Harrison.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of James River Home Health and Hospice of Richmond for the loving care they gave Mama Mac and for walking beside the family and supporting them during the last eight months of Mama's earthly journey. They made a difference in all our lives and will not be forgotten.

Her funeral service will be held 12:00pm, Saturday, December 20th, with a visitation and hour prior begging at 11:00am, both services will take place at Lyles Baptist Church, 92 Lyles Church Road, Palmyra, Virginia. Interment will immediately follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to James River Hospice, Hanover County Volunteer Fire Department/EMS, or Lyles Baptist Church.