Mary Kathryn "Kathy" Daniels

Mary Kathryn "Kathy" Daniels, 74, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2022 in Tyler, Texas. Kathy Daniels was born on August 28, 1947 in Kermit, TX, to Joe and Mary Arledge. Kathy graduated from Kermit High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Texas Tech University in 1969 where she was member of Alpha Phi sorority. Kathy married James Douglas Daniels in her hometown of Kermit, Texas in June 1969. The couple has two children, Elizabeth Daniels and Dr. William Daniels of Tyler, Texas.
After moving to Gilmer in 1974, she became involved in various service clubs and organizations making Gilmer her home for nearly 50 years. She acquired a Masters Degree in Education from East Texas State University and committed 34 years to teaching her students English, Grammar and Literature. Ms. Daniels taught English at Harmony High School from 1978 to 2002 and continued to teach at Judson Middle School until retiring in 2011 when she was diagnosed with a terminal brain cancer. Defying all odds, she bravely survived ten years past her given prognosis.

Kathy was best known for her dedication to her teaching career and students. Several peers and prior students refer to her as the epitome of an educator; her students remember her not only as challenging and demanding but also inspiring as she encouraged them to strive for excellence. Her enthusiasm for British Literature in particular was infectious. For 30 plus years she directly impacted and improved the lives of countless students that passed through her classroom. Not only did she inspire in the classroom, she sponsored many clubs/groups/events and tirelessly devoted herself to helping her students succeed. Over her career at Harmony High School, Ms. Daniels sponsored student council, yearbook club, dance and prom committees, pep squad, directed musicals, majorettes, and One Act plays just to name a few. She also enjoyed attending First United Methodist Church of Gilmer and singing in their choir.

Kathy is survived by Elizabeth Daniels - daughter, of Tyler, Dr. William Daniels - son, and Dr. Delaine Daniels, daughter-in-law, of Tyler. Grandchildren, Jackson Douglas Daniels, Mary Elizabeth Kelly and William Tate Scully all of Tyler, Texas. Brothers Joe Arledge, Jr of Dallas, Texas and Scott Arledge of Santa Rosa, California.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents and Jim Daniels.

The service for Kathy Daniels will be held on 10am Tuesday May 17th, First United Methodist Church Gilmer, Texas.

Visitation: Monday, May 16th, from 6pm - 8pm, Croley Funeral Home, Gilmer, Texas.

The family would like to extend thanks Atria Copeland Road Tyler, Bluebonnet Point Wellness Center Bullard, Heart to Heart Hospice, Tyler as well as all the caregivers that provided excellent care for Kathy during the final years of her life. Also, a special thank you to all the friends and support system in Gilmer that prayed for and cared for Kathy over her 10 year battle; your love and kindness is greatly appreciated.