Obituary

Helen Louise Danielson of McKinney, Texas passed away March 25, 2022, at the age of 95. She was born on October 14, 1926, to Edward O. Wykes and Ruby H. (Forbes) Wykes in Quanah, Texas. Louise, as most called her, earned her Bachelor of Early Education at Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, Texas and her Master of Early Education at University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. She met Richard (Dick) Danielson, a Geologist at Chevron while she worked there during her summer off from teaching. Louise married him on March 27, 1959, in Midland, Texas.

For most of her married life, she and her family lived in New Orleans where for over 47 years she grew deep roots both at her church and in her community. She also became a die-hard New Orleans Saints fan and remained loyal even after moving to McKinney Texas in 2013 to be closer to her three grandchildren and her daughter-in-law’s parents. There she re-established her Texas roots and thrived both at her local church and in her community.

Before she became a Saints fan, she became a life-long Saint in the biblical sense at a young age by putting her trust in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Maximizing her God-given gifts and talents throughout her life, this tiny juggernaut became a successful educator, wife, mother, Sunday School teacher, administrator, businesswoman and grandmother. Her fire came from the saying “Where there’s a will there’s a way” and it was stoked by her love of coffee. Her strong constitution even at the age 95 enabled her to fight the good fight to the very end of her life and finish the race. In honor of Mom at her facility the morning she died, the staff sang “When the Saints go marching in” and drank coffee. Her two sons would not be surprised if she heard that same tune being played as she entered Heaven to join the biblical Saints followed by being served her first cup of hot coffee (with two creamers) in eternity.

She is survived by her sons, Drew Edward Danielson and wife, Connie of Texarkana, Texas and Reid Earl Danielson and wife, Cheryl of Allen, Texas; grandson, Ryan Danielson and wife, Myranda of Fayetteville, Arkansas; grandson, Chase Danielson of Lewisville, Texas; granddaughter, Lauren Danielson of Allen, Texas; sister, Wilma Lemons-McMennamy of Arlington, Texas; and many other loving family and friends.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Danielson; parents, Edward and Ruby Wykes; and sisters, Rosemary Tisdall and Frances Searcey.

A viewing will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Lemons Funeral Home and Memorial Chapel, 206 W 8th Street, Plainview, Texas. Interment is to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Plainview Memorial Park, 100 Joliet Street, Plainview, Texas.

Memorial contributions may be made in Louise’s honor to the Children’s Ministry at First Baptist Church McKinney, Texas and the Dick and Louise Danielson Early Learning Center at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.