When seasons change, it is a sign to make room for something new. Time is the one thing we all want more of, but we cannot control. Some people will try to manipulate things with schedules and planning. In the month of April 2024, we experienced things that were not planned, things that were not on our schedules-the end of an Era, a life well-lived. When May arrived, our family prepared for what would be that last time we would spend time on Earth with Harold Thomas Daniels. God made the decision to reunite him with his wife, Lorna Rose Dedeaux in the early morning hours of May 3, 2024. A peaceful transition was enveloped on the same rich soil on which he was welcomed into the world on November 20, 1934: Davis Avenue.
Davis Avenue was home to Harold where he grew up and lived for 89 Years, 5 Months and 26 days. He was a Master of Commerce as well as a Professor of Life and things of necessity. He was a brilliant historian, addressing people, places and things that occurred in his lifetime. A prolific author of knowledge, especially of Pass Christian, Mississippi. He was employed as a crane operator at W&A Engineering Firm, a welder, a mechanic and a truck driver for Stanbro Construction Firm. If you had an opportunity to attend any training course offered by Mr. Daniels, I am sure you received your certification on a torn envelope or a scrap of paper. If you were ever lucky enough to see him on his morning route from the house, the harbor, gas station, canal, and home, you were surely greeted with pleasantries. If you were stuck behind him and you were in a hurry, you learned the lesson of "slow down," to enjoy the small things. If you wear a long sleeve flannel shirt in South Mississippi heat, you are built tough-a Dillinger of sorts, yes even those girls. He enjoyed retirement on Davis Avenue, as well as the casinos. He loved Pass Christian and "The Harbor" where he took his last ride on his usual route on May 3rd.
He will join his sons Elton, Harvey, Bradford and Richard in Heaven, as well as his brothers Audrey and Rogers Sr. (Bernice); his Parents, Junius and Olivia Daniels, Virgie and Nathan Williams; his grandson, Eldon Daniels, and many other relatives and friends. I imagine a Davis Avenue in Heaven, packed for every holiday, especially Mardi Gras.
He leaves his legacy of six children: Sandra, Roseta, Vaughn (Pam), Derrick (Julie), Franchelle, and Garland; grand-children: Joshua Johnson, Bradford Laneaux, Kevin Laneaux, Tyler Daniels, Alex Daniels, Derrick Dean Daniels, Shemarrae Daniels, Jordan Daniels, Felicia Harper, LaToya Tongue, Latisha Harrien, Vonisha Daniels, Halle Lewis, Lorna Daniels, Sacha Daniels, Brianna Daniels, Kalyne Daniels, Anzleigh and Veyda Bounds, Chakita, John Jr, and Jevon Singleton; A sister: Virgin Powell; sisters-in-law: Verdie Daniels, Lillian Dedeaux, and Maion Barnett; brothers-in law: Terry(Verna) Dedeaux, Kevin (Pam) Dedeaux; 42 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great grandchildren, and countless relatives, in-laws, other children he reared, and friends.