Lelia Margaret Daniel, 97 of Springfield, was called to her heavenly home on
October 4, 2015. She went peacefully in her sleep at home with her daughter, Martenia,
and many grandchildren by her side. She is preceded in death by her parents, Grover
and Hatti Matney; her husband, Reverend Leland Daniel; Her Children, D.L. Daniel and
Beverly (Daniel) Stafford; 2 grandsons, Kenneth Ray Stafford and Steven Whaley; and a
great granddaughter, Rachel Haynes. Services will be held at Klingner-Cope Rivermonte
Funeral Home, 4500 S. Lone Pine, Springfield, MO, on October 9, 2015 at 1pm. Burial
service immediately following at Seymour Cemetery.
Lelia, known to many as Sister Daniel, was born on December 18, 1917 in
Seymour, MO. She was united in marriage to Reverend Leland Daniel on January 30,
1936. Together they had 6 daughters, 22 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, and 22
great-great grandchildren.
Lelia, along with her husband Leland, dedicated their lives spreading God''s word.
They traveled throughout the United States preaching and singing wherever God sent
them, near or far. For many years, they pastored churches in the Shell Knob/Cassville
area, making the drive from Springfield several days a week. They never complained
about any of the struggles that came along with this life, for they knew one day they
would receive their reward.
Lelia was known for her terrific sense of humor, her kind heart, her incredible
guitar playing, and her singing voice that could melt a heart. She would sing and play
her guitar during church services for hours at a time, often until the early morning
hours. She''s been known to shout and sing at the same time, and to continue doing so
even if a guitar string or two would break. She didn''t let anything stop her!
Lelia had worked her whole life to make sure others knew about the love of Jesus,
and now she is reaping the rewards of all of her hard work. While her leaving this world
is very difficult for her family, we know that if we follow along on the path she led us on,
we will surely see her again.