Mary Pitchford McDaniel, a deeply loved mother, grandmother, teacher, and healer, passed away peacefully and with grace on July 31, 2026. She left this world with the blessings of having loved many, carrying no unfinished business, and knowing she was loved as fiercely as she loved. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved, Mel McDaniel. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love through her daughter, Danielle McDaniel; her grandson, Joseph Huston McDaniel; and her great-granddaughter, Kennedy Carter McDaniel.
Mary was born on November 16, 1943, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to Clarice Skinner Pitchford and Joseph Irwin Pitchford. Though she was raised as an only child, her expansive, generous heart made her a sister, mother, and true friend to countless people throughout her life.
A lifelong learner and a woman of deep faith, Mary dedicated her life to healing and helping others. In her early career, she spent years working in the mental health field as a technician, running support groups and counseling those battling drug and alcohol abuse. Her path eventually led her to the world of holistic health, where she truly found her calling. Mary graduated as a Certified Massage Practitioner from the Cumberland Institute of Holistic Therapies in 1994 and became a Licensed Massage Therapist in Tennessee in 1995. A master of her craft, she spent decades practicing and teaching Swedish Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, and Reiki, earning her Master Teacher certification in 2001.
Mary’s greatest professional joy was sharing her experiences and life lessons in the classroom. At Cumberland Institute, she grew from a student into a core instructor, then academic director, and eventually co-owner. Her wisdom shaped the minds and hands of generations of practitioners before her retirement in 2021.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mary was a voracious reader who loved to travel and always appreciated a good cup of coffee. She found pure peace in nature and was happiest sitting under a tree, watching the sun shine through the branches on a windy day.
At the end of her life, the fierce love she spent decades putting into the world came back to envelop her. She spent her final moments surrounded by her daughter Danielle, her grandson Joseph, her dear friends Mindy Oldham and Karen Stevens, the prayers of her beloved Cumberland Institute family, and the caring staff at the Trevecca Rehab Center.
A celebration of Mary’s extraordinary life will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 1:00 – 3:00 PM at the Cumberland Institute of Holistic Therapies (500 Wilson Pike Circle, Suite 121, Brentwood, TN 37027).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to support future healers through the Mary McDaniel Scholarship Fund for students of the Cumberland Institute of Holistic Therapies. Contributions can be sent via the school’s Venmo (Teresa-Greene-7) or directly to Cumberland Institute.
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Sellars Funeral Home at Hendersonville.
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
