Imogene Mcdaniel

Jo Imogene Williams McDaniel departed this earth on Sunday, October 13, 2019, after 98 years of life.  She was surrounded by family as she peacefully passed.

Imogene was born in Strawberry, Arkansas, a community founded by her great grandfather, in 1921 to Lewis and Maude Williams.  She grew up on the family farm with her sisters, Irene and Madge, and her brother, Clemon.  Another brother, Kenneth, passed when he was very young.  Imogene graduated from Strawberry High School as co-valedictorian in 1938 and went on to graduate from what is now Arkansas Tech University in 1941.

After graduation, Imogene taught school in Egypt.  In January 1942, she traveled to Cash with the girls basketball team where she met her future husband, Rufus A. McDaniel.

Imogene and Rufus married on May 24, 1942.  They had two children, Danny J. and Bobby R. McDaniel.  Imogene raised her family in Jonesboro and made the city her home for the rest of her life.  In 1955, Imogene founded Home Decoration Company, which she operated until 1984.  Imogene was the first professionally trained interior designer in Northeast Arkansas.  She was a pioneer among women business owners and was honored as a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Designers in London, England in 1972.

Imogene was a lifelong and devoted fan of the Arkansas State Red Wolves.  She never stopped learning.  She was a dedicated gardener, an avid reader, and a duplicate bridge player.  She closely followed politics and current events.  Her life was influenced by her love of Asian culture and design.  Imogene learned and enjoyed practicing Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement.  She had a special place in her heart for all children and never missed an opportunity to show them love, support, and comfort.

Of all her achievements, Imogene’s greatest pride was her family - sons Danny McDaniel and his wife, Sue McDaniel of Jonesboro, and Bobby McDaniel and his wife Karen McDaniel, Ph.D., of Jonesboro; grandsons Dustin McDaniel and his wife, Bobbi McDaniel of Little Rock, Scott McDaniel and his wife, Taura McDaniel of Jonesboro, and Brett McDaniel and his wife, Kristy McDaniel, of Jonesboro; and great-grandchildren, CJ Fowler, Emma Grace McDaniel, Lexi Fowler, Rory McDaniel, Easton McDaniel and Elin McDaniel, and her favorite niece, Judy Harris.

Following a Celebration of Life service on Wednesday, October 16 ^th , at her home church, Southwest Church of Christ, Imogene will be laid to rest at Jonesboro Memorial Park next to Rufus, her beloved husband of almost 57 years Visitation will be from noon until service time. Services will follow at 1:00 p.m.  All are welcome to attend graveside services thereafter.  Dr. Jimmy Adcox will officiate the services and pallbearers are Dustin McDaniel, Scott McDaniel, Brett McDaniel, Rory McDaniel, CJ Fowler, Monty Davenport, and Jimmy Williams.  Honorary Pallbearers are Imogene’s Ramsons Construction Company “Office Family,” Susan Weeks, John Davis, Dottie Barnes, Darrel Rose, Michael Lindley, and Terry Bailey.  Emerson Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

For lasting memorials, Imogene has requested contributions be made to the Imogene Williams McDaniel Scholarship Fund through the Arkansas State University Foundation, PO Box 1990 State University, Arkansas 72467; the Southwest Church of Christ Building Fund, 1601 James Street, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401, or a charity of the giver’s choice.  The family wishes to thank Imogene’s devoted caregivers for their assistance and compassion during the final stages of life.  To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.