Sonya McDaniel
Sonya McDaniel, 84, died peacefully at her home on the Anchor Bar Ranch, Fort Ogden, FL, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born December 3, 1939, and lived in N. Fort Myers, Florida until moving to Fort Ogden, Florida in 1990.
Sonya was preceded in death by her loving mother, Vila M Curry, and father, Ford Curry.
She is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 67 years, Johnny Barton McDaniel; Son, Johnny Ford McDaniel (Rozan) from Cleveland, TN; Grandson, Jared Barton McDaniel (Hillary); Great-Grandchildren, Stevie Rose McDaniel, Vilah Nicole McDaniel, Asa Barton McDaniel; Grandson, U.S. Army Captain Joshua Logan McDaniel (Erin); Great-Grandchildren, George Lee McDaniel, Molly Katherine McDaniel; Daughter, Tamre Arlene McDaniel from Fort Ogden, FL; Granddaughter, Ashley ReVae Godwin Walker (Nick); Sister, Sandra Curry Nolen (John) from Leoma, TN; Nephew, Lane Curry Nolen, and a host of relatives and friends. Loved by all!
Sonya was an accomplished horsewoman. Raised on a horse, cow hunting with her grandfather/grandmother, Seth & Sarah Daniels (deceased), father and mother, Ford & Vila Curry (deceased). They ran a cattle ranch on the 40,000 acres of natural Florida land, now known as Cape Coral, Florida.
Sonya became a jockey, beginning at the age of 5. Riding numerous racing Quarter horses in match races. Bettors would always bet on the little Blonde Girl! She also jockeyed in the FLQHA Futurity! A successful Barrel Horse trainer. She was a many-time Champion Barrel Racer, having won several Barrel Races in the Southeastern U.S., Including the Arcadia All Florida Championship Rodeo 1969. She was the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo Queen at the age of 6 and The Ft. Myers Lee County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Queen in 1960. In 1969, Sonya was the founder and inaugural president of the Florida Barrel Racing Assn; she graduated from Fort Myers High School, Class of 1957, where she was the Head Majorette and Drum Major.
Sonya retired from North Ft. Myers High School after 20 years of service as secretary for School Counseling and Athletics.
Sonya was a member of Grace Family Church. Her love for God and people was evident in her daily life.
A private family gathering will be held.
In lieu of flowers, thank you for sending support or donations to Empath Tidewell Hospice, as they have provided professional support and comforting care with love and kindness!
Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com
Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.
