Paula May McDaniel, 80, of Shelbyville, IN, passed away at her home on October 1, 2026.
Born on September 22, 1946, in Indianapolis to Elsie and Paul Ernst. Paula had a brother, Richard, who was 9 years older.
Paula was preceded in death by her parents and brother. She is survived by her husband, Donald McDaniel, her daughters, Kerry Brown and Jamey Pavey, her son-in-law Jason Pavey, and her 4 beloved grandchildren, Marissa Brown, Gabrielle Pavey, Eli Pavey, and Samuel Pavey.
Paula attended Pike High School and graduated in 1964. Following graduation, she attended Ball State University to study math. It was there that she met the love of her life, Donald McDaniel, who was also studying math. They were married on August 20, 1967, in Indianapolis.
After graduating, they moved to Atlanta, GA, then back to Indianapolis, where they had their first child, Kerry, in 1971. They later moved to Rush County, where they had their second child, Jamey, in 1976.
She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She will be remembered for her kindness and generosity to all those around her. She was also known for her random gifts of charity and love. She found joy in small things and spread that joy to those around her.
She enjoyed quilting, crafting, playing games, antiquing, doing puzzles, and traveling with Don. They visited most states in various RVs over the years. For several years, they enjoyed spending the winter in Florida. Paula particularly enjoyed the birds and wildlife that they encountered on their travels and loved sharing it with her family through various postcards and picture books. Paula was a 50-year member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, where she was very active and taught Sunday School. She greatly enjoyed everyone at Mt. Pisgah who loved God and Jesus.
Paula was active in the Psi Iota Xi Sorority in Milroy and served as a 4-H Leader for the Orange Township Kountry Kids in Rush County. She was honored to be a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. She was also active in the 49’ers, a Shelby County Extension Homemakers Club, and the Block Party Quilt Club.
Paula worked as a librarian at Waldron High School. Paula also published three books, including a children’s book, a devotional, and teen mystery novel.
Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 3718 E. Blue Ridge Road, Shelbyville, with Dr. Robb Barlow officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 4:00-7:00pm at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army of Shelbyville or your favorite charitable organization.
