Mrs. Alesia R. (Brown) McDaniel

UTICA - Mrs. Alesia R. (Brown) McDaniel, age 56, went back to her God who gave her life, when she passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 9, 2018 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Born in New Hartford on the first day of spring, March 20, 1961, Alesia was the daughter of Matthew D. and Daisy (Smith) Brown. She was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1979 and attended the Barbizon Fashion School, the fulfillment of a dream at that time of her life. She also attended Mohawk Valley Community College. On August 8, 1992 she married her best friend, Michael J. McDaniel with whom she shared 25 years. They were always together, and even though they were opposite in personality, they were one in heart. Alesia began a career in fashion merchandizing as a Retail Manager in several area Department Stores, but eventually she met her true calling of working with children. She began her new vocation at Head Start at the Court Street Children’s Center where she worked with school age children, mentoring, nurturing, and teaching them for 14 years. During the past three years, she worked as a Teacher’s Assistant in the Utica City School District. For many memorable years, her days were filled with children—-even before she got home to her own! Her absence will be a great void to her co-workers and the children, and she will be mourned and missed. As a matriarch and mentor, Alesia was outgoing, optimistic, and obliging whenever anyone needed help. As a mother, she had expectations for her children and encouraged them to succeed in their God-given talents. She lived for her children and would do anything for them. They were a work-in-progress, and she was so proud of all their educational achievements, talents, and wholesome personalities. She was their Mom-manager, assisting in their studies and present at all their activities. She was the “other mother” to so many children in this city. Alesia was also her “daddy’s girl” and one of five siblings. She was the one who kept things in order in the house and was the go-to person in her family. She was a counselor to many, a natural at this job because of her desire to help, and she was always on key in knowing what to say. Her advice was sound and sensitive, and her words were helpful and heartfelt. She was enterprising and intelligent, and formed a great foundation for her children and the children she watched over. Many made it through their though times because of the hope and guidance they gleaned from her. Alesia enjoyed entertaining and her home was warm and welcoming. She was famous for her sweet potato pie, mac and cheese, and banana bread. She was fond of traveling and made it to the Oprah Winfrey Show where she found in Oprah a beautiful, exemplary woman and person. She was also a talented dancer, the life of the party, and the owner of a great laugh. She was jovial and social and “never took anything personal”. She saw the best in people and never doubted that goodness was a virtue in the greater number of people we meet during our lifetime. Alesia truly believed in the Almighty and her faith was seen in her actions. She was an inspiration to her husband and he claimed she was the best thing that ever happened to him. She knew the blessing of a pure life and was a better person because of her spiritual strength. She preached her faith in her home, and she and her husband invited their children to partake, with the hope that they would continue to follow the path in her memory. Alesia is survived by her husband, Mike; her children, Rachel “Kelly Belly” McDaniel, a graduate of Utica College; Yehudah “HooHoo” McDaniel, a graduate of the New York City Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, Rivkah “Riri” McDaniel, a senior at MVCC, and Hadassah “Dasi” McDaniel, a freshman at MVCC; her parents, Matt and Daisy; and her sisters and brother-in-law, Joyce Brown, Alice Brown Story, Kim Brown-Barfield, and Audrey and Bruce Crawford. She will also be remembered by her nieces and nephews, LaMarqus, Geoffrey; Chalice, Chas, and Tanisha, Jalyn; Kaela; Jenelle, and Bruce Jr.; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, a host of aunts and uncles, especially Uncle Mike; in-laws, Rev. Charles McDaniel, Tim and Tasha McDaniel, Gail Scruggs, and Estella. She had many amazing friends from childhood to adulthood, with special mention of Ceketha “Skeet”, and Margaret. The family is grateful to the First Responders, and the staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, from the Emergency Room to the Intensive Care Unit, for their compassion, kindness, and unrelenting attempts to revive her. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Alesia’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Charles McDaniel officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Alesia R. (Brown) McDaniel

March 20, 1961 - February 9, 2018