Samuel T. Daniels Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

On Thursday, evening, January 6, 2005 at 4:55p.m. , Samuel Thornton Daniels, Sr. Joined that innumerable caravan which moves toward that mysterious realm, where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of death!His wife of 60 years, Gladys Eva Wise Daniels, and their sons, Thornton and Van, were beside when he expired at Levindale Hebrew Geriatrics Center.Prince Hall Masons from around the world had been holding vigil and offering prayer(s) for Sam, who for thirty-eight years was Grand Master of the PrinceHall Masons of Maryland.Sam, “The Grand”, was born on August 28th, 1922 in Baltimore, to the late William and Maritta Hatton Daniels.He was the youngest of three sons, middle brother Edward and the late William Daniels. Served in World War II and the Korean War, attaining the rank ofCaptain.In February 1940, Sam graduated from Douglass High School (Parren J. Mitchell, Maryland’s first black congressman, was a classmate) and a year later wassmitten by comely freshman, Gladys, at Coppin Teachers’ College, (now Coppin State).While serving in World War II, Sam wed Gladys in Baltimore on August 14, 1944.After receiving his honorable discharge, Captain Daniels returned to Coppin and graduated in 1948. Gladys had begun her teaching career in the Baltimore City Schools.In 1947, first son, Samuel Thornton Daniels, Jr. was born. December 13, 1955, Van Burley Daniels arrived.Gladys’ stepfather, Vanderbilt Burley was a staunch mason and through his influence and mother-in-law, Alma Powell Wise Burley, Sam joined the craft in 1946.His ingenuity, leadership qualities, and hard work led to Sam being elected Grand Master following the illness and subsequent demise of Willard Allen.Sam, lovingly known by “The Family” as “The Grand” provided leadership that earned him praise from Prince Hall Masons worldwide.Some of his numerous contributions and achievements are listed in his résumé.“The Grand” Has Gone To Rest!Left with precious memories are Devoted Wife, Gladys; Sons, Thornton and Van; Brother, Ed Daniels; Grandchildren, Van, II, Anthony, and Co-Co; Daughters-In-Law, Betty and Joyce Daniels; Nephew, William Daniels; and a Host of Friends hereand abroad.See You Later!A Capsule...Positions Held:Teach in the Public School System of Baltimore, 1952-1955; Maryland Commission on Interracialproblems and relations, as Executive Secretary, 1956-1959; Special Representative, GuntherBrewery, 1959-1960; Educational Research Assistant (part-time) with the Baltimore EqualEmployment Opportunity Commission; Business Representative, Baltimore MunicipalEmployees Local #33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal EmployeesUnion, AFL-CIO, July 1960 to February 1964; Executive Director, Baltimore CommunityRelations Commission, February 1964 to January 1967; Director and Co-Founder, the BaltimoreCouncil for Equal Business Opportunity, January 1967 until retirement in June 1989; for eighteen years, co-host with Homer Favor and Vernon Dobson, “look At It This Way” - WBAL TV ChannelEleven.Organization Affiliations:National Conference of Christians and Jews, Board Member, 1960-1962Kappa Alpha Psi FraternitySigma Pi Phi Fraternity (oldest Black Graduate Greek Letter Fraternity)Board Member, The Metropolitan YMCABig Brothers of Baltimore, Inc., Past Secretary and Present Board MemberBoard of Managers, Druid Hill Y.M.C.A., 1957-1961, Past Secretary and present member of its Metropolitan Board of Directors.Frontiers International, Baltimore Chapter - a member since 1956 and Past PresidentNational Association of Intergroup Relations, 1956-1959, 1964 - President, former RegionalMembership Chairman and now Co-ChairmanBaltimore Urban League, 1955 to present time.N.A.A.C.P. - Member since 1952 to present time; former member of Executive CommitteeFormer First Vice President of Grand Masters Conference and Chairman. Now a member of theConference Executive Committee.Active Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33° of The United Supreme Council, SouthernJurisdiction, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry and Past Grand Worthy Patron, MyraGrand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Past Potentate, Jerusalem Temple #4Member of Mount Royal Fremont Area Wide CouncilHolder of Several Unit Citations and Theater Ribbons, United States Army plus recognition fromthe following organizations:National Alliance of Postal EmployeesKappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Baltimore Alumni ChapterLota Lambda Sorority, Kappa ChapterY.M.C.A. Plaque - Service to YouthBig Brothers of BaltimoreNational Conference of Christians and JewsHe is also a member of:Hiram Consistory #2Jerusalem Temple #4, (Shriners)Annie S. Banks Chapter #42, O.E.S.Additionally, Holds or held membership on:The Provident Hospital Board of TrusteesThe Voluntary Council On Equal OpportunityThe Governor’s Commission on Library LawsThe Governor’s Commission on the Mentally HandicappedThe Board of Directors of Central DodgeThe Board of School Commissioners of Baltimore CityThe Board of Directors of the Prisoners’ Aid AssociationThe Board of Directors of the A.M.E. Church - Prince Hall Masons Development CompanyThe Board of Directors of the Baltimore Mutual Investment CompanyBaltimore City Planning CommissionThe Criminal Injuries Compensation Board of the State of Maryland

Tributes

Samuel T. Daniels

August 28, 1922 - January 6, 2005