Valda Wilder Daniels

Valda Marie Wilder Daniels, 90, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, surrounded by family at Passages Hospice New Orleans after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, she was born on September 1, 1934 to the union of the late Albert Wilder and Vivian Haynes Richmond. Valda spent her formative years under the tutelage of her maternal grandparents, Elsie and Benjamin Haynes. Valda attended F. P. Ricard Elementary School, Booker T. Washington High School, and graduated from McDonogh 35 Senior High School in New Orleans. Precocious and outspoken from a young age, she was admitted to college at the age of 15 and in four years earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Xavier University. In 1955, she married the love of her life, William Mack Daniels. Two daughters, who the couple lovingly raised, were born to this union. Valda worked for more than 42 years in the Orleans Parish School System serving in many positions, inclusive of acting principal, but primarily as an elementary school teacher for the third and fifth grades. After her retirement, she enjoyed both domestic and international travel with family, going to casinos, attending the occasional Saints game, watching the Pelicans basketball games on television, and of course talking on the telephone. She leaves to cherish her memory, daughters Theda Daniels-Race, PhD (Paul) and Urica Daniels Regis, MBA (Wayne). Her grandchildren Kylan (Chelsea), Peyton Race, and Royce Regis remember the unconditional love shown by their grandmother who they fondly called Precious. Additionally, her many godchildren, family, friends, neighbors, and the hundreds of children she taught during her career mourn her loss. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years William Mack Daniels and parents, Albert Wilder and Vivian Haynes Richmond. Visitation will be on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at St. Rita Catholic Church, 2729 Lowerline Street in New Orleans from 9:30am – 10:30am. A memorial mass will immediately follow. Interment will be at Lake Lawn Park and Cemetery at 5454 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans following the mass. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.