Myra McDaniel Memorial

Myra McDaniel’s education began in the prestigious school of Philadelphia’s Girl’s High and continued at the University of Pennsylvania and The University of Texas Law School. She knew that education was an equalizing key to success and she encouraged everyone that she mentored to take full advantage of all educational opportunities.

She was devoted to her career pursuits and after various positions she held while raising her children, she began her legal career at the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. She served as the first African American Secretary of State for the State of Texas from 1984 – 1987, and practiced law in Austin, Texas for more than 30 years. She became managing partner of the law firm then known as Bickerstaff, Heath, Smiley, Pollan, Keever and McDaniel in 1995. Among many awards through her distinguished career, in 2006 she was awarded the Sandra Day O’Conner Award for Professional Excellence. She often reminded others, “We’ve got to see our opportunities as opportunities and not as burdens.”

Myra was active in her church serving as senior warden, chairing a successful capital campaign that raised $1 million to build a new sanctuary and editing the church newsletter every month for over twelve years. Community service was second nature to Myra. She was on a multitude of civic and community boards and supported many organizations through her philanthropy. She served on many boards, including St. Edward’s University, Seton Hospital and the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest. Some of her favorite non-profit organizations were St. Edward’s University, Austin Lyric Opera and SafePlace. She felt that community support and giving was a requirement for those who were able. Her modest approach to life afforded her the ability to share the riches she enjoyed with others. She passed away in 2010.