Essie Hamilton McDaniel, 82, of Buena Vista, Virginia, died Monday, January 30, 2012 at Virginia Baptist Hospital.

She was born in Amherst on May 30, 1929, the daughter of the late Tinsley Hamilton and Susie Beverly Hamilton.

Essie was a loving mother to her children and to many others who needed her. She was very strong and tough, and worked hard all her life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John A. McDaniel; a sister, Virginia Gregory; her brothers, Jack Hamilton, Eugene Hamilton, Willie Hamilton, Richard Hamilton and Owen Hamilton.

She is survived by her children, Doris J. Fox, Saylor F. Fox Jr., Arnold L. Fox, Dean A. Fox, Cameron J. McDaniel, Judith L. Bailey, Kimberly J. Russell; her 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ludie Queen, Virgie Martin, Madeline Bardis; and a special nephew, Randy Hamilton.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. with memorial service following at 2 p.m. at Buena Vista Pentecostal Holiness Church with the Rev. W.A. Mills officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to Essie McDaniel Memorial Fund, c/o Burch-Messier Funeral Home, 317 W. Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523, 540-586-7360.