Mrs. Karen McDaniel

Karen Denise Downer-McDaniel was born on May 8, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Willie Downer and Juanita Stewart-Carter. She was their oldest daughter.

Karen attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Cass Technical High School. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Detroit and went on to receive her Masters in Social Work from the University of Detroit, as well.

Karen accepted Christ at an early age. Her and her entire family were members of Celestial Baptist Church in Detroit. Upon relocating to Houston, Karen joined Southwest Community Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Craig Patrick.

Karen met Joseph McDaniel III in 11975, at the University of Detroit and the two married in 1979, traveling the world and making many memories. In 1984, Karen welcomed her only child, a beautiful baby girl, Janea' Shevon McDaniel-Aghayere. Karen was a selfless and loving person who dedicated her life to the care of others, often putting their needs before her own. She was extremely organized, and always took on the responsibility of caring for her family when they were in need. Her passion for helping others led Karen to pursue a career as a social worker. In 2021, Karen retired from Texas Children's Hospital where she specialized in providing parents of children with special needs and chronic illnesses with the services and equipment needed to care for their child.

Preceding her death are her Grandmother: Magnolia Jemison; Father, Willie Don Downer; Mother: Juanita Stewart-Carter; and, the light of her life, her Brother: Darwin Downer.