WILMINGTON — Katrina Melene Daniels was born on December 28, 1964 and left us August 3, 2025. She was the fifth child of Ron and Jackie Daniels and like her siblings she was a gift from God.
With four older siblings, Katrina did everything early. She learned to ride a bike in our cul-de-sac also known as “the circle”. She played in the creeks behind our house, caught crawdads, played epic games of manhunt with all our neighbors on Cheyenne Road – especially Brent and Dwight – and rode for miles and miles on our bikes.
My brothers taught her to play baseball in the circle. My dad taught her how to throw a knuckle ball that couldn’t be caught let alone hit. She became a living legend in little league baseball community around Jacksonville. She hit more home runs at the fields by New River than all three of my brothers combined! She was a starting pitcher on her little league team – boys on the other teams hated when she pitched – they didn’t want to get struck out by a “girl”!! Her little league baseball days landed her a spot on the BOYS baseball team as a pitcher at Northwoods Park Jr. High School. She was also a star on the girls’ basketball team and girls’ softball team.
She took her skills to high school and was a standout player in basketball, softball and tennis at Jacksonville Senior High School where she played on the varsity teams all three years. In addition to her athletic abilities, Trina was also very smart. She loved math and wrote amazing poetry and was a gifted artist. She was an incredible athlete and made friendships during those times that still endure today.
After high school she attended Appalachian University, Coastal Carolina and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master’s Degree in Math from UNCW. Her family was very proud of her accomplishments. She used those degrees to teach at the college and community college level for many years. Katrina was a gifted teacher. She loved to learn and passed that gift on to others. She also tutored students of all ages. She helped many young students gain an understanding of math that allowed them to continue in their education endeavors. It was also during this time that Katrina began to paint.
She had a very eclectic style that definitely showcased her personality.
In 1995 she met the love of her life, Laura. They carved out a life in the Myrtle Beach area where Laura was a commercial painting contractor and Katrina continued to teach, tutor and dabble in her art. When Laura needed help, Katrina offered – but it became quickly apparent that artistic painting and commercial painting were two different things. Katrina was put on the clean-up crew! Katrina and Laura had many fur babies during their time together – the latest being Hadley. Laura and Hadley are lost without Katrina right now. We are forever indebted to the love and care that Laura provided Katrina over the last 30 years.
Katrina is survived by her partner Laura Conklin and fur baby Hadley, Jackie Daniels-Hack and husband Bob. Siblings Donnie Daniels and his wife Elizabeth, David Daniels, Angie Gay and her husband Andy.
Nieces and Nephews Kara Morris and her husband David, Corey Daniels and his partner Keylee, Carter Daniels, Colton Daniels and fiancée Jaclynn, Lindsay LaRose, Mandy Gray and her husband Taylor, and Drew Gay and his wife Samantha.
Great nieces and nephews Kaylin Morris, Marin Morris, Madelynn Mae Daniels, Brendan LaRose, Nathan LaRose, Mason LaRose, Skylin LaRose, Tyler Gay, Emory Gray and Bennett Gray. There are also many generations of cousins mourning Katrina’s passing. She was preceded in death by her father Ron Daniels and bother Dan Daniels.
A dear friend referred to Katrina as a force of nature – that is the way we should all remember her. We love you – Donnie, David, and Angie
A funeral mass will be held 11am Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Infant of Prague Catholic Church 210 Maine Blvd. Jacksonville, NC 28540. Family to greet friends 1 hour prior. Inurnment will be held at 1pm at Onslow Memorial Gardens 3280 Richlands Hwy., Jacksonville NC 28540.
