Valeta Kate McDaniel

Valeta Kate McDaniel, or as most of us knew her — just “Kate, or Katie” 90, of Watkinsville, Georgia, transitioned peacefully on the morning of May 14, 2025, to be with the Lord and to be reunited with her beloved husband of 55 years, William Harmon “Mac” McDaniel, who preceded her in death in 2013.

Born on July 11, 1934, in Donaldsonville, Georgia, to Elton Lee Harp and Wilma Kate Hill, Kate rose from humble beginnings as a sharecropper’s daughter to become a lifelong advocate for environmental protection and education. She earned her degree in chemistry from Berry College, where she met Mac — the love of her life and lifelong partner in family, purpose, and stewardship of the Earth.

In 1969, Kate and Mac moved to Athens, Georgia, to begin their careers with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Kate spent her professional life researching, educating, and advocating for the protection of our planet, but her work extended far beyond the office. She brought her mission into every corner of her community and home.

She co-founded Keep Oconee County Beautiful (KOCB) and served on numerous boards throughout her life, including Advantage Behavioral Health and various Oconee County initiatives. A historian, photographer, and artist, Kate documented the beauty of our region through her camera lens and brushstrokes and authored three books chronicling the history of Oconee County.

She educated undergrads at the University of Georgia as she mentored students who went on to become environmental leaders. She also spent time in Washington, D.C., passionately advocating for legislation to protect the environment, educating lawmakers with clarity and conviction.

But at home? She was even more remarkable.

Kate raised her children, Cindy and Daniel, with compassion, curiosity, and unwavering love. Over the years, she also opened her heart and home to four foster children (Gale, Cindy Jean, April, and Lisa), offering them not only a home but hope and belonging. She made birthdays feel like holidays, and ordinary days feel like adventures. She made people feel seen, safe, and loved.

Kate is survived by her devoted children: Cindy (Patrick) Murphy and Daniel (DeAnna) McDaniel; her seven grandchildren: Melissa (Darren) Hutchinson of Woodbine, NJ, Marc (Stephanie) Hancher of Nashville, TN, Lucas (Katie) Murphy of Reno, NV, Grace Keogh of USCG, Dylan Crider of Watkinsville, Maximus (Erin) Murphy of Dakota Dunes, SD, and Kyle Crider of Watkinsville; and three great-grandchildren: Eve Hutchinson, Jaxson Hancher, and Leif Hutchinson.

She also leaves behind countless friends, neighbors, students, and loved ones whose lives she touched and transformed.

Kate believed that life wasn’t about what you accumulate, but about what you cultivate. And she cultivated love. She cultivated beauty. She cultivated change. She cultivated people. Everything she touched turned to beauty!

So if you want to honor her, don’t just remember her — live like her. Her light didn’t go out; it spread. And it will keep blooming everywhere we go. Plant something. Protect something. Love someone deeply. Fight for what matters — with grace, gentleness, and courage. Matthew 10:16

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 23, 6–8 PM at Lord & Stephens West Chapel with funeral services on Saturday, May 24, 10 AM at Lord & Stephens West Chapel followed by a 2.5-hour drive to Kite, GA, where the graveside service will be held at 3 PM at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery, 2000 Cow Ford Bridge Road Kite, GA 31049

She asks that instead of sending flowers, that you would plant something beautiful in your yard and tend to it, and make it beautiful! So on that note, there will be plenty of plants/flowers at the services just for all of you who came to say goodbye; she asks that you take them all home to beautify your special place and remember her light and let the beauty shine!

If you would like to give a financial gift, she asks for those funds to be sent to the Watkinsville First Christian General Fund.

Thank you, Mom, for everything you gave us. You didn’t just live — you transformed. You were truly a Disciple of Christ.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com