Venoa Daniels

Mrs. Venoa Ragland Daniels, age 96, passed away on December 13. During the last three years she was a resident of Brookdale at University Place in Homewood. She previously resided at 2028 Highland Avenue and Seneca Road in Birmingham. Venoa was the daughter of Connie Melvin and Ora Hobson Ragland of the Friendship Community in Bibb County. She was a descendent of Benjamin Ragland, who in 1815 was one of the first settlers in Cahaba County, MS, now Bibb County, AL. She is survived by her sons, Roy E. Daniels (Pam) and C. Fred Daniels (Pat) of Birmingham; grandchildren Roy Eric Daniels, Katherine (Kate) Venoa Daniels, Jonathan Matthew (Matt) Daniels, all of Birmingham and Emily Anne Lacey (Jeremy) of Sterett, AL; great grandchildren John Daniel and Molly Kate Lacey; sister Lela Pepper of Selma, AL, and nieces and nephews. Venoa was preceded in death by her parents; husband Roy H. Daniels; brothers Percy, Rondo, Lewis, and Denver Ragland; and sister Coyette Tucker Weeden. After graduating from Tuscaloosa High School, Venoa earned a Registered Nurse Degree from South Highlands Infirmary School of Nursing. In 1937, she married Roy Daniels in Tacoma, Washington while he was stationed at Fort Lewis. In 1947, she and Roy returned to Birmingham. Venoa was one of the first RNs hired at the new Veterans Administration Hospital and later worked for the Visiting Nurses Association. She then earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. After graduation she became a real estate broker operating her own firm. She worked at the UAB Heart Program and as a Welcome Wagon Hostess. The family is appreciative of Marie Whitfield and Tyese Stewart, who are not only wonderful friends, but they were dear caregivers during difficult times. The family also appreciates the loving care of her granddaughter, Emily, who took Venoa into Emily’s home and eased her pain and comforted her on her journey to be with God. The family will receive friends Saturday, December 15, 2012, from 10-11 AM at South Highland Presbyterian Church. Services will follow at 11 AM with Reverend Doctor Ed Hurley and Reverend Cody Watson officiating. Interment will be at 2 PM at the Friendship Cemetery in Bibb County. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to South Highland Presbyterian Church, 2015 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205 or Friendship Cemetery Fund, c/o Charles Caddell, 4229 Friendship Road, Brent, AL 35034.