A resident of Baker and a native of Zachary, she passed away at the age of 16 on Saturday April 20, 2013, as a result of a seizure disorder from a traumatic brain injury that happened when she was three. Visiting at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker, on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 from 10am until religious services in the chapel at 12pm, conducted by Pastor Gary Corbin. Interment to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Danielle's great love was mud, barbie dolls and frilly dresses. During her 13 years as an angel on wheels, she adored her family, the outdoors, and cats, and had a special love for Curious George and Dora the Explorer. She passed her days always with a beautiful smile on her face, even when she suffered tremendous pain. She displayed much affection towards everyone around her, and will always be remembered as a source of great joy. Danielle is survived by her parents, Lisa Renee' Riley Hickman and Teddy Charles Hickman; a sister, Alexandra Riley; a brother, Cheaunce Hickman; maternal grandparents, Debra and Buckshot Chelette, and William Franklin Riley Jr.; paternal grandparents, Tommy and Dianne Payne; maternal great-grandmothers, Nell A. Merritt and Carlene G. Riley; four uncles, Bobby F. Chelette, Chad L. Chelette, William F. Riley III, Benjamin L. Riley; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A special thanks to Lane Regional Medical Center ER staff, Dr. Rodney Tregle, EMS paramedics and the Baker and Brownsfield Fire Depts. for their heroic efforts. Pallbearers are Bobby Chelette, Buckshot Chelette, Cheaunce Hickman, Jody Merritt, Mike McLendon and Jason Causey. Honorary pallbearers are Howard Bonaventure, Tony Smith, Keith Pease of the Baker Fire Dept. and Darryl Rainwater and Michael Shropshire of the Baker Police Dept.

Preceeded in death by her great grandfather, Finton Merritt and a great uncle, Mark Alan Merritt

Published in the Baton Rouge Advocate