Katherine "Kathy" Pennington McDaniel

Amy Katherine "Kathy" Pennington McDaniel, 70, born on August 4, 1954, peacefully entered into Heaven's gates late Friday night, June 6, 2025, at Doctors Hospital. She was a beloved member of her community and a dedicated family woman whose profound love for her family and faith guided her throughout her life.

Kathy was a lifelong resident of the Wrens-Matthews-Keysville-Blythe-Hephzibah area. She graduated from Wrens High School in 1973, which marked the beginning of her commitment to education and service. For many years, she worked as a teacher’s aide in Special Education for the Jefferson County School System, where her patience and compassion made a lasting impact on the lives of many students. After marrying the love of her life, Ruel Oliver McDaniel Jr., in 1987, Kathy embraced her role as a homemaker, creating a nurturing environment for her family in Hephzibah. In 1999, the family moved back to Wrens, where she continued her service to the community by helping in the local thrift store.

An active member of Woodland Baptist Church and more recently attending West Town Community Church in Evans, Kathy loved spending time in worship. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and it radiated her kind and loving spirit. Resilient in the face of her health challenges, she exemplified grace and humility, never complaining and always maintaining a positive outlook. Kathy was generous with her time and resources, always available to help anyone in need. Her ever-present smile remained even during the toughest times, inspiring those around her.

Kathy cherished moments spent with her family and friends, often gathering to play board games and card games, creating warm memories that will last a lifetime. Her green thumb was reflected in her many house plants, bringing life and beauty into her home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ruel Oliver McDaniel Jr.; her daughter, Rita Faith Pennington; her parents, Mattie Kate Raley Pennington and George Alvin Pennington; and her brother, Sammy "Buddy" Pennington (Denice).

Kathy is survived by her son, Corey McDaniel (Sarah); her brother, George A. Pennington (Denise); her niece, Lisa Pennington; other extended family, and her cherished church family and a host of friends. Each of these relationships further showcased her generous and loving spirit, leaving a legacy of kindness that will be remembered by all who knew her.

The family will greet friends Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at James Funeral Home from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM with Rev. Steve Warner officiating. Following the service, interment will be in the Pennington family plot at the Wrens Memorial Cemetery. Honored to serve as her pallbearers are Corey McDaniel,, Johnathan Jones, Michael Jones, Stephen Lamb, Steven May and Bridget “Boots” Williams.

Kathy McDaniel's life was marked by her unwavering faith, her love for her family, and her dedication to serving others. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her.