Martha E. Daniel

Martha E. Daniel

Longtime English Teacher and Beloved Member of the Logan Community(Logan, West Virginia)

It is with love and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Martha Jane Elmore Daniel, a devoted educator and cherished member of the Logan, West Virginia community. 

Martha passed away peacefully in Westlake, Ohio on October 11, 2025, after a brief illness.Born on June 27, 1937, in McComas, WV, Martha dedicated her life to education, serving for many years as a respected English teacher at Logan High School. Her passion for literature, language, and the written word left an indelible mark on generations of students. She inspired young people to read widely, think critically, and express themselves with confidence and grace. Her kindness and generosity were evident to all of those who knew her.

Martha was admired not only for her devotion to her students and professionalism but also for her warmth, humor, and compassion. She was a steadfast friend, a guiding light to her students, and a devoted member of her community and church, and incredibly loved by her family. She believed in the power of kindness and maintained a strong faith in God throughout her life. She enjoyed traveling, reading, playing cards and bingo, savoring great food, and for many years enjoyed the company of some of her dearest friends, a group called ‘The Golden Girls.’ However, she was most passionate about her family. She treasured her time with her beloved husband, Carl, until his death in 1997, and continued to adore her precious four children, their spouses, and her grandchildren. Over the years, Martha found much joy in spending time with herfriends, her children and their families, as well as loving allthe family dogs and feeding wildlife in her backyard. She was sweet, kind, and funny, with quick wit and a warm, compassionate presence. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Garland Craft Elmore and Helen Mabel Sutherland Elmore, her sisters, Mary Surratt, Nancy Elmore and Thelma Diachenko, and her beloved husband Carl R. Daniel, Jr., as well as many of her dearest friends. She is survived by her four children, their spouses and children: Hershel S. Cook, III of Virginia; David A. Cook, wife Petra, children David Jr.and Brandi of Alabama; Kathy C. Rowland, husband Ronnie, son Austin of South Carolina; and Angela R. Fitch, husband Doug of Ohio. She is also survived by her brother Garland Elmore, Jr, wife Jean and family; her stepchildren Gordon and Denise; her stepson Ridgie Daniel, wife Debbie and their children and families of Matt, Mark and Emily; as well as other loved extended family, all of whom share cherished memories of time spent together. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 19 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Akers-James Funeral Home in Logan, WV. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Jim Musgrave. A private burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations in Martha’s memory be made to either the Hungry Lamb Food Initiative, c/o First Presbyterian Church, 622 Stratton Street, Logan, WV 25601 or to The Paws Squad, 1412 Lincoln Highway, Chapmanville, WV 25508.. As we remember her remarkable life and kind spirit, we offer one final word she often used to close her classes and conversations—with gratitude, respect, and peace:

Namaste.