Shirley Daniel

Shirley Ann Williams-Daniel, 71, passed away Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, after struggling for many years with a debilitating respiratory disease.

Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Sioux City Baptist Church with the Rev. James Pointer officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be today from 6 to 8 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Shirley was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Sept. 30, 1935, to Welton S. and Lavada Brandon-Williams. She was raised in Oklahoma. Although she lived in Sioux City for the last 40 years of her life, Oklahoma was never far from her heart. She always was and always will be an "Okie."

She was a fiercely independent woman who came from Oklahoma to Sioux City to escape an abusive marriage with four kids and only $100. She was always a lady; everyone who ever met her immediately loved and respected her.

Shirley worked hard all her life. She retired from IBP after 26 years in the shipping department. She was in her element when she was being "one of the guys." That was because her best friend in the entire world was her dad, Welton S. Williams.

Shirley meant many things to many people. Above all, she was a mother, sister, "gramma," great-gramma, and friend. She had a way of making people feel special and was loyal and trustworthy. You could tell her anything; your secrets would always be safe with her.

She was the kind of woman you just wanted to make proud because you were always so proud of her. However, she never judged you for the mistakes you made. She knew we all made mistakes.

She had a great sense of humor and a great love for nature and the outdoors. She loved the warm weather and the ocean. She liked fixing up antiques and enjoyed life's simple pleasures most of all. Her favorite color was "yella;" I guess it reminded her of a sunny day.

Shirley is survived by her sister, Norma Slavik of Sioux City; her brother, Jerry Williams and his wife Donnie of Austin, Texas. She also left behind four children: Janie Hemmingstad and her husband, Dr. Steven Hemmingstad of Sioux City, Dave Daniel (and Karen Hageman) of Merrill, Iowa, Chris Daniel and his wife Amy of Rogers, Ark., and Kellie Cota (and Brad Smith) of Sioux City. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: August Rengifo, Shilo Reiling, Amandi and Christian Cota, Jesse and Jarrod Daniel, and Paige, Brooke, Taylor, Welton, and Colton Daniel. There are also four great-grandchildren, Elijah and Isaiah Rengifo and Journee and Jersee Reiling.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Welton S. and Lavada Williams; a brother Steve Williams and a grandson, Jordan Lee Daniel.

Shirley will never be forgotten.