Barbara Ann Daniels, age 78, of Port Orange, FL passed away on December 17, 2020 at Advent Health Hospital in Orlando, Florida. She was born on April 1, 1942 in Quincy, IL to Edward and Esther (Kerwin) Hess.

Barbara graduated from Quincy Senior High School (IL) in 1960 and Quincy College in1965 with a degree in Music Education (piano performance major). On July 3,1965, she married her college sweetheart, George W. Daniels from Long Island, New York at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Quincy, Illinois. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Esther Hess of Quincy, Illinois.

Barbara is survived by her husband George of Port Orange, Florida; her two daughters Lori Littlejohn (husband  Joseph Littlejohn) of Deltona, Florida; Melissa Challenger (husband Paul Challenger) of Cedarville, Illinois; and a son Justin Daniels of Port Orange, Florida. Also surviving are her brother, Richard Hess of Quincy, Illinois and three grandchildren, Alexander Littlejohn, Nicholas Littlejohn of Deltona, Florida and Christine Challenger of Cedarville, Illinois.

At age 5, Barbara displayed extraordinary musical skills as a pianist; having perfect pitch and unflappable sightreading skills, she was able to perform at many venues during high school. For over 60 years she shared her talents as a teacher and performer with 100s of musicians/teachers and 1000s of band, choir and orchestra students in the states of Iowa, Illinois and Florida. Barbara was a perfectionist and knew how to motivate an individual as well as a group to achieve their greatest potential. Teachers who worked with her many decades ago, still remember her energy and stamina as a piano accompanist at rehearsals, concerts as well as local, district and state music contests. Barbara's uncanny ability to feel at home playing classical, jazz, ragtime/dixieland, gospel and rock & roll (Change of Pace 1979-1991) styles of music provided her a platform to display her talent in a broader spectrum of playing opportunities.

Besides playing for many middle and high school band, choral and orchestra students in Seminole, Flagler and Volusia counties in Florida during the last 20 years, Barbara looked forward to attending Sunday Mass as the pianist for the choirs at Epiphany, Prince of Peace and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches in the Daytona Beach, Florida area.

Barbara was a very loving and caring mother to her children and grandchildren. She always found time in her busy schedule to respond to their wants and needs. Her family and friends will always remember her as an outgoing, caring and loving person.

Barb's life and music will live on at www.BarbDaniels.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a gift in honor or in memory of Barbara A. Daniels at the website.

Due to the surge of new Covid -19 cases in Florida, our family has elected to have a private family funeral on January 11, 2021 at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home in Port Orange, Florida. A cemetery in the Daytona Beach area will be selected for interment.