Barbara Ann Daniels PhD

Celebrating the Life of Dr. Barbara Ann Daniels Sunrise: November 17, 1937 Sunset December 18, 2024 Monday, December 30, 2024 Family Time: 10:00 AM Celebration Service: 11:00 AM Hartford Memorial Baptist Church 18700 James Couzens Highway, Detroit, MI 48235 The Rev. Charles C. Adams, Senior Pastor Woodlawn Cemetery on Woodward at Eight Mile, Detroit Obituary Dr. Barbara Ann Daniels was born to Ann and Cornelius Doc Owens (who proceeded her in death) on November 17, 1937 on Hendrie Street, in the City of Detroit, in what was then known as “Black Bottom”. She was their pride and joy as their only child. Within a few years, they moved to 4446 Bewick Street. The backyard was a virtual fruit and vegetable market. With an apple tree in the middle, a grapevine surrounding the perimeter, three plumb trees in front of the garage, a 5-foot tall fig bush, and an every blooming crop of collard greens, which was a source of pride for the entire family as Doc liked to hunt, the garage was turned into a dog house, housing between 15-20 hunting dogs. Barbara accepted Christ at an early age. She was Baptist and joined Mount Olive Baptist Church on Farnsworth, in the City of Detroit. She was in charge of the curriculum of three Sunday School Classes while also singing in the Church Choir. Barbara attended Detroit Northern High School where she matured academically and socially. Barbara was joined in Holy Matrimony to Lawrence Daniels her High School sweetheart. To this union, one son was born. After graduating from High School, Barbara, procured her first employment at the City of Detroit Department of Transportation, where she worked as a Clerk in Finance. Next, she was employed at the City of Detroit Water Department before landing her first job with the Detroit Public Schools System as an attendance agent. She eventually worked her way up to heading that Department as the Director of Attendance and Foreign Born Students for the Detroit Public Schools System. Barbara continued to pursue her formal education at Wayne State University. She earned a Bachelors Degree in Education, Master’s Degree in Education, an Education Specialist Master’s Degree, followed by her Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) in Education. This education propelled her to a leadership role in the Detroit Public Schools System as a Managing Supervisor over Areas A and E Regional Districts. Her last position with DPS was Assistant Director of the Management Academy where she was charged with teaching Teachers how to instruct our youth and future leaders. During this time Barbara was also appointed by then Michigan Governor John Engler as the Executive Director of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (DARE) for the state. Three of her most enduring passions were being a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, gardening, and sewing. She was known for her beautiful gardens. She was an accomplished pianist and singer. It was quite common for Barbara to leave work, pick up her son, go downtown to Grand Circus Park, select a dress pattern and material, come back home, cut out the dress, sew it together and wear it that evening. Later in life she joined Harford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit and served as the Corresponding Secretary of Hartford Women United Auxiliary. In July 2024, Barbara suffered a stroke, she was admitted to Cornwell Health Hospital in Royal Oak Michigan and stayed about one month. During her hospital stay her appetite ceased and she progressively lost more and more weight. Upon her release, doctors explained that she would need 24-hour care. But instead of a nursing home, she was released to her son and his wife, Mr. and Dr. Lawrence Daniels. After months of round-the-clock care, her condition worsened, and she was returned to the hospital. She was released again to the home of her son in Palliative Care. Her appetite returned gradually, and she was signed up by doctors for Physical Therapy to help increase her strength on December 17, 2024. Barbara departed this life on December 18, 2024 at 4:30 AM. She leaves to cherish her memory, Mr. and Dr. Lawrence Daniels, cousins Kathryn Heard, Kristine Longstreet and her husband Charles Longstreet, Grandson Damone Booth and his wife Christina, and Step Grandchildren Darnell and his wife Denise, Jennifer, Kimberly, and 15 Great Grandchildren, and one Great Great Grandchild, the beloved Haven. She also leaves a great family and a host of friends who will remember her with love.

Barbara Ann Daniels PhD

November 17, 1937 - December 18, 2024