Brenda Lou Daniels

Brenda Lou Daniels was born Sunday, July 30, 1961, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Pumpkin and Akie Mae (Nofire) Drywater. She was raised in a loving home with her brothers the late Phillip “Bodie” Drywater, Elvin “Bossie” Drywater and sister Linda “Lynn” McCully. Brenda attended various schools, including Coweta, Oktaha, Muskogee, and ultimately graduated from Sequoyah High School. In her youth she enjoyed playing fastpitch softball, hanging out at Thunderbird Speedway in Muskogee, and served as the bench coach for her father’s fastpitch teams. Following high school, Brenda embarked on a career path as a nursing student and attended Bryant Institute, where she shared her passion in caregiving, and she remained in the healthcare industry. Brenda married the love of her life and best friend Rickey Daniels on June 28, 1982, at Long Prairie Baptist Church in Kansas, Oklahoma married by Brenda’s grandfather Reverend Robert Nofire. Brenda and Rickey were proud to have been married alongside Rickey’s parents in a double wedding with the late Ross and Irene (Glass) Daniels. They created a wonderful life together with their three children Matt, Alec, and Carmen. Brenda and Rickey were inseparable, they enjoyed watching and attending sporting events together and were always happy to explore new things. Brenda was a big-hearted person with a strong desire to uplift others, with a radiant smile that could light up the room. Although she had a big heart, Brenda had no problem telling you like it is or getting straight to the point. Her infectious enthusiasm and warm demeanor always made everyone feel welcome. Brenda was the pinnacle foundation of her family, a true matriarch. Her home was always open to those who she felt were in need of her understanding and unconditional love, whether it was just having a hard time or needing a place to stay and have a hot meal, Brenda was the one who took care for everyone.

Throughout her life, Brenda generously opened her home and heart to nurture and raise numerous children that were facing challenging circumstances. She dedicated herself to providing a supportive and loving environment for anyone in need. A perfect day for Brenda would consist of a family gathering, cooking out, watching the grandkids play, spending time with friends and family, and playing horseshoes. Brenda was an avid sports fan who supported all levels of teams from her OU Sooners, OKC Thunder, Kansas City Chief’s and whatever teams her kids or grandkids played on. She was very involved with her children’s and grandchildren’s sports and school activities; they were the light of her life. Later in life, Brenda was an avid horseshoe pitcher, where she and Rickey traveled the state to play in numerous tournaments and festivals. Brenda, a first language Cherokee speaker was proud of her heritage and used her fluency to translate for those that needed it. Her eloquence as a speaker left a lasting impression on many of her friends and family.

Those that knew Brenda, knew that Christmas was her most treasured holiday, where she found immense joy in gathering her loved ones around the table, sharing laughter, and creating a feast of delicious dishes cooked with love, ensuring everyone felt the warmth of family during the festive season. Whether it was mowing the yard, planning a cookout, attending her grandchildren’s group and sports activities, or helping someone in need; Brenda was rarely at an idle and was always on the move. Brenda enjoyed classical music, and just a week prior to her passing, she and sister Lynn attended the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Brenda was known for embracing life with enthusiasm and always living each day to the fullest. Her radiant light left us on December 12, 2024. Brenda’s legacy will continue on through her eleven grandchildren.

Brenda has now joined her maternal grandparents Robert and Eunabelle (Coleman) Nofire, paternal grandparents Dave and Jenny (Drum) Drywater; her father Pumpkin Drywater and nephews Kerry Adair, Zachary "Blak" Adair, Bodie "Phillip" Drywater, Clayton Nofire, and beloved grandson Ethan Daniels.

Those left to cherish her memory include her mother Akie Mae Drywater (Nofire); her husband of 46 years, Rickey Daniels of the home; her daughter Carmen Daniels of the home; her sons, Matt Daniels and wife Kamisha of Tahlequah and Alec Daniels and partner Joetta “Waye” Crittenden of Colcord; her brother Elvin "Bossie" Drywater; her sister Linda “Lynn” McCulley; her grandchildren Kialan Daniels and partner Alevia Springwater, Araya Dry and partner Andy Smith, Cam Russell, Elsy Daniels, Talon Daniels, Brant Russell, Nakoah Russell, Noah Proctor, Eyan Russell, Genesis Daniels; and one great-grandchild Kaius Snoh Daniels.

A visitation for Brenda will be held Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home, 117 West Delaware Street, Tahlequah, Oklahoma. A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home.

Brenda will be laid to rest in Agent Cemetery, Moodys, Oklahoma.

Serving as pallbearers are Brant Russell, Eyan Russell, Talon Daniels, Kialan Daniels, Ryan Adair, Darian Adair. Honorary Pallbearers include Matt Daniels, Elvin "Bossie" Drywater, Alec Daniels and Cam Russell.