Obituary of LaVonda C. Daniels

LaVonda Daniels, a loving daughter, devoted wife, amazing mother, a dedicated educator, and community servant, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, excellence, and unwavering commitment to student success.

Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, LaVonda embodied the values of integrity, hard work, and service. As a young leader, she was involved in the Louisville Youth Group, Student Council, and the Young Scholars Program. After moving to Philadelphia, she joined Love Kingdom Fellowship Church, where she served faithfully in the Seniors Ministry, Choir, Youth Ministry, and Drama Ministry. Her passion for service continued when she became a member at Victory in Christ Christian Center, where she contributed to the Partner Care Ministry and the Scholarship Ministry. 

She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and went on to receive three Master’s Degrees—in Education from Temple University, in Reading (with Distinction) from Cabrini College, and in Educational Administration from Gwynedd Mercy University. She also held certifications in Reading Specialist K-12 and Principal K-12. At the time of her passing, she was pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University, a testament to her lifelong love of learning.

LaVonda joined the Abington School District in August 2006 as a teacher at Highland Elementary School. Over the years, she taught grades two through six, always putting students first and inspiring a love of learning in the classroom. As the sponsor of Highland’s Service Learning program, she founded the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Day of Service, which, for nearly a decade, provided donations and care packages to children and families through community partnerships.

Her leadership and vision led to her promotion as Elementary Curriculum Specialist at Overlook Elementary School in 2017, and later to Assistant Principal at Abington Junior and Senior High Schools in 2019. Most recently, she served as the principal of Davis Elementary School in Upper Southampton, Bucks County from 2021 to 2023. She was proud and grateful to serve as the principal of Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, where she looked forward to making a lasting impact with students, staff, and the broader community.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, LaVonda was deeply devoted to her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 16 years, Darius, and their beloved eleven-year-old twin sons, Justin and Jordan, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her cherished mother, LaVada Baker; her stepfather Bruce Baker; and her father. 

LaVonda leaves behind a large and loving extended family, including 10 nieces, 6 nephews, 2 brothers, 3 brothers-in-law, 2 sisters-in-law, her mother-in-law, father-in-law, and three grandparents. She is also fondly remembered by 6 uncles, 7 aunts, and 104 cousins. 

LaVonda found great joy in spending time with her family and traveling, especially when returning to her beloved hometown of Louisville. Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, friends, and loved ones.

She will be remembered not only for her accomplishments, but for the way she lived—with grace, strength, and a heart committed to helping others.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation and Funeral on Monday, May 12, 2025 from 9-11 AM at the Victory in Christ Christian Center, 1055 Delsea Drive Westville, NJ, where a Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM.  Final disposition will take place privately.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family using the Go Fund Me link.  https://gofund.me/71e8639e