Carolyn “Wincie” McDaniels

Carol “Wincie” McDaniel of Athens, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at Starr Regional Medical Center.

Carol was a beloved member of the Athens community and was well known for the more than 35 years she spent working as a server at the Gondolier of Athens. She was especially known for serenading customers with her own special rendition of “Happy Birthday,” a tradition that brought joy and laughter to many over the years.

Carol also spent many years assisting her Great Uncle, Burkett Witt, at the Soda Shop as well as at his restaurant, Burkett’s BBQ. Her strong work ethic and willingness to help others were qualities she carried with her throughout her life.

Carol was loved by many people, both near and far. She was loving, kind, generous, and never met a stranger. She had a heart for helping others and would give her last to make sure someone in need was taken care of. Her kindness, laughter, and genuine love for people left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She will be greatly missed by her entire family, friends, and the community she loved so dearly. Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched and the countless memories she leaves behind.

Those Who Preceded Her in Death

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Helen “Sue” Edmonds and Frank Harper; her grandparents, Roy and Dorothy (Witt) McDermott; two Aunts/Sisters, Elizabeth “Toye” Collier and Odessa Jones; three Uncles/Brothers, James Edward “Jim” McDermott, Erbie “Sam” McDermott, and Leuty McDermott; her son, Shamalh McDermott; and her grandson, Jimiese McDermott.

Those Left to Cherish Her Memory

She leaves to cherish her memory three brothers, Kenneth “Bub” (Charlesetta) McDermott of Athens, TN; Donald Edmonds of Athens, TN; and Daryle Edmonds of Chattanooga, TN; and one Sister/Aunt, Alice Oliver of Athens, TN.

She is also survived by her son, Kenneth (Tammy) McDermott of Daphne, AL; her daughter, Latoshia (Clent) Gregory of Niota, TN; two granddaughters, Alani Gregory and Saniya Gregory; and four grandsons, Jessiah McDermott, Marqus McDermott, Shamalh McDermott, Jr., and Kwame McDermott.

She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones who will forever cherish the memories they shared with her.

Carol’s life was a testament to love, kindness, hard work, and generosity. She never met a stranger, and she never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Her laughter, her stories, her famous birthday serenades, and the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 4, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of M.D. Dotson and Sons Funeral Home – Athens, TN.