Mrs. Dorothy Mae Gregg McDaniel, a beloved and nurturing mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, heard the voice of God and answered the call on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, after an extended illness. Surrounded by family and friends, she transitioned from humane labor to reward, as her legacy lives on in the lives of so many whom she touched and were forever graced by her presence. Affectionately known to all that knew and loved her as "Dot," the "preacher's wife" – a caring, cheerful and vivacious personality, she could fill a room with happiness and bring smiles and delight even to a distant stranger. An excellent cook and culinary expert, she enjoyed family gatherings and always supported numerous of special events and family celebrations!

She was born April 01, 1939, in Bishopville, South Carolina, into the union of the late Mr. Murry Gregg and Mrs. Fostwenia Scarborough Gregg. She was educated in the Lee County Public Schools, where she learned the value of education and cultivated an environment of high expectation for educational attainment and achievement in her children and family. She was raised in a nurturing and Christian environment and joined the New Zion AME Church in Wisacky, South Carolina at an early age.

As God would have it, she was later united in marriage to her soul mate, Reverend Joseph L. McDaniel, Sr. who preceded her in death. A minister's wife and alongside her husband, she joined and became First Lady at the New Hope Baptist Church in Badin, North Carolina, where she served admirably until the passing of her husband in 1995. A devout Christian and true believer in Christ, she continued her Christian pilgrimage and joined the Union Baptist Church, founded by her husband's uncle, the late Dr. Abraham H McDaniel, of Winston Salem. While there, she served as an active member of the A H McDaniel Choir until her health started to decline.

A loyal and devoted wife, mother and First Lady, she committed the majority of her life as a caretaker for her children, family and the home. Before that, she worked diligently as a case manager for the Experience of Self Reliance Agency for many years, and further worked part-time at the Ace Clothing Store as a Sales Representative. A charming and infectious personality, she was praised and recognized for exemplary and outstanding customer service skills. A true matriarch, she loved her family and especially enjoyed spending quality time with her grandchildren. Along with her husband's passing, she was preceded in death by two sons, Richard Gregg; Joseph McDaniel, Jr.; and one son-in-law, Grover Shields.

She leaves to treasure fond memories, two sons, Curtis Gregg and Thomas (LaToya) McDaniel of the city; three daughters, Marilynne (Frank) McLaurn, Linda McDaniel of the city, Brenda Shields of College Park, Georgia; seventeen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Sydney Jackson of Wedgefield, South Carolina; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

The family will greet friends Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 7:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the chapel of Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home chapel. Funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM on Friday, September 22, 2017 at Union Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

For a copy of the funeral program, click here