“Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before -more sorry, more aware, more gentle.”
- Charles Dickens, Great Expectations
Lillian Nelms Daniel, passed away Jan. 23 at Morning Pointe Assisted Living in Franklin, Tenn.
Lillian was born Sept. 13, 1922 to Hallie Wanamaker Nelms and John W. Nelms, Sparta Street, McMinnville. Lillian was one of eight children in the Nelms family, Morris, Harold, J.W., William Hall, Mildred, Lillian, Clifford and Dorothy.
She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in McMinnville. It was there she taught Sunday school classes and played the piano for both men and women’s Sunday school classes, as well as occasionally playing piano for some church services.
She graduated from McMinnville Central High School. The caption under her senior picture stated, “Generally Speaking, She’s Generally Speaking.” This phrase rang true throughout Lillian’s life as she later put it to great use as an educator for Warren County School System. Lillian would begin her teaching career teaching 3rd grade and the later teaching 7th, 8th and 9th grade English. Lillian’s favorite area to teach was literature, especially Charles Dickens “Great Expectations.”
Lillian was married to Robert R. Daniel, the high school band director. Here in McMinnville they raised two children, Kenny and Melody.
Lillian’s life as an educator, Sunday school teacher, Y-teen advisor and church pianist, greatly influenced many, many people in McMinnville and Warren County Lillian Nelms Daniel was preceded in death by her husband Robert R. Daniel, her parents, Hallie Wanamaker Nelms and John W. Nelms, her brothers and sisters Morris, Harold, J.W., William Hall, Mildred, Clifford and Dorothy.
Lillian is survived by her children Kenny Daniel (Nancy), and Melody Daniel Green (Mike). Three Grandchildren, Jonathan Daniel, Jennifer Daniel Eggleston (Chris), Daniel Green, four Great-Grandchildren Rome Eggleston, Wren Eggleston, Colton Daniel and Rhett Daniel. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at First United Methodist Church in McMinnville with Ryan Heatherly and Robert Case officiating. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until time of service at the church. No service or visitation will be held at High’s. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.
High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) Jan. 26, 2022
