Life & Legacy of Bishop Howard Daniels
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, God called home his son, Bishop Howard Daniels, from labor to reward at Hunter Holmes McQuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia. He was born February 9, 1948, in Enfield, North Carolina to the late Augusta Daniels and Elizabeth Daniels. Bishop Daniels accepted Christ at an early age. Through his adolescent years, he grew in his faith and understanding and it was through this experience that he credits his early focus on the Lord.

After attending schools in Knightdale, North Carolina, he went on to serve in the United States Army. He attended Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton, Virginia and Faith Temple Bible Training Center, Suffolk, Virginia. He was the Valedictorian graduate of United Christian College, where he received his Theology degrees and served as President of the Alumni Association.

Bishop Daniels was previously employed with Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company. He valued hard work, honesty, and the integrity of a man's word. He married the former Josephine Marie Gray, August 29, 1974. To his wife, he was a protector and provider. Their communication, love, and support kept them strong for fifty-one years. To his children, Orlando(deceased), Sheri, and Tabitha, he was loving, but structured, combining compassion with discipline. He made sure to instill in them the core values of accountability and responsibility.

Bishop Daniels realized the mandate God placed on his life and accepted his call into the ministry in June 1986. He was licensed and ordained by Cypress Baptist Church, Elberon, Virginia, under the leadership of Rev. Ronnie T. Northam, Sr. He held the distinct honor of being the first spiritual son birthed from that ministry. He walked with a quiet humility, consistently directing all glory back to the ultimate source of his calling. He emerged into a distinguished leader, a man of deep prayer and conviction, who eventually manifested the vision God placed on his heart.

Bishop Daniels became the Founding Pastor of Bibleway Baptist Church in the historical county of Surry, September 1, 1990. For 35+ years, he faithfully served as Pastor, guiding his congregation with wisdom, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel. His journey was marked by both triumphs and trials, yet through it all, he remained a steadfast pillar of faith. His ministry touched countless lives, bringing comfort to the afflicted, hope to the despairing, and guidance to those seeking direction.

Bishop Daniels was a mighty man of God whose strength and character anchored the entire community. He extended his ministry, stewardship, and services beyond the pulpit into community rather than limiting his impact to preaching on Sundays. His reach embraced a broad range of spiritual, social, and administrative roles including, but not limited to: Past President of the Christian Brotherhood Ministries, Former Chairman of the Surry County Industrial Authority Board Former Chairman of the Surry County Social Services Board

Past Member of the Surry Health Advisory Board for Surry County Public Schools Former, Chairman of the Surry Emergency Food and Shelter Program, Past President of the Board of Directors of the Surry Area Free Clinic Former Candidate for the Surry County Board of Supervisors, Past President of the Surry Branch of the NAACP, Past President of the Tri-County Interdenominational Ministers Conference, Isle of Wight, Surry, and Prince George Counties, Ten years of service.

However, above all of his accomplishments and spiritual growth, he said, "To God be the Glory." He simply liked to be known as "Just a servant of God and a voice crying in the wilderness for the Lord."

Bishop Daniels was preceded in death by his son, Orlando Daniels; his father, Augusta Daniels; his sister, Vera Daniels; and his brother, Earl Daniels.

Bishop Daniels leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Josephine Daniels; children, Sheri Daniels-Jones (Lashawn) and Tabitha Daniels Stitt (Aaron); seven grandchildren, Maurice, Diandre, Jadasadyni, Dejon, Jaelyn, Saniya, and Jaidyn; six great-grandchildren; mother, Elizabeth Daniels; sisters, Nannie Staggers and Lousie Peoples(Claude); mother-in-law, Stella Thomas; sisters-in-law, Joline Daniels and Belinda Everett; and a host of "adopted" sons and daughters, godchildren, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be 12:00pm Saturday, April 4, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 11342 Colonial Trail West, Spring Grove, Virginia, Rev. Anthony Washington, Pastor, and Rev. Melvin Lyttle Jr., Eulogist.

Visitation will be 5:00pm - 7:00pm Friday, April 3, 2026, at Bibleway Baptist Church, 571 Colonial Trail East, Surry, Virginia 23883.

Please keep the family uplifted in prayer.