Melissa Jean McDaniel

Melissa Jean McDaniel, 53, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Melissa was born on July 1, 1972, in Tecumseh, Michigan to the late Larry and Ruby Palmer.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother whose life was centered around her family.

Melissa was married to her beloved husband Jeff McDaniel for 37 years, sharing a lifetime of love, partnership, and memories together. She was a dedicated forklift driver at the Walmart Distribution Center, where she worked for 27 years. Known for her strong work ethic and reliability, Melissa took pride in her career and the friendships she built along the way.

She had a wonderful sense of humor and truly enjoyed a good joke, often bringing laughter to those around her. Melissa loved spending time with her family and treasured every moment with them. She was especially excited and looking forward to welcoming her next grandchild. When she wasn’t surrounded by family, she could often be found enjoying her favorite true crime shows.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her loving husband, Harlow Jefferson McDaniel, Jr.; her children, Shawn Michael McDaniel and Mystie Marie Mingledorff (Bryce); her grandchild, Colter Chase Mingledorff, including one on the way; brother, Larry Wade Palmer, Jr.; sister-in-laws, Tracy Lynne Palmer and Lisa M. Melvin; nephew, Thaddeus L. Melvin; nieces, Victoria Ilene Dykes and Christina Ann Pickle; along with a host of other family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Johnny Ray Palmer.

Melissa’s love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be given in memory of Melissa McDaniel to Bonaire Community Cemetery or Lupus Foundation of America.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.