Danielle Dawn Smalley was born Sept. 1, 1978.
She enjoyed a typical childhood, finishing elementary school and then attending Scurry-Rosser High School in Kaufman County, Texas. Her love of music and theater were surpassed only by her love of family. She was well-read and articulate, with a light sense of humor.
Danielle played volleyball in her sophomore year, among other high school activities. Her interests returned to her love of music and theater when she and a group of close friends formed a band. Danielle sang and played bass guitar, and worked in a number of one-act plays. Her acting ability earned her a drama scholarship to Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas.
On Aug. 24, 1996, a defective high-pressure gas pipeline exploded
and took the lives of Danielle and a close friend, Jason Stone, both 17. Her
life and tragic death inspired her father, Danny Smalley, to form The Foundation that bears her name. The Danielle Dawn Smalley
Foundation is committed to gas pipeline safety by training first responders, and educating
the public about pipelines near their homes, schools and
workplaces.
Danielle is survived by her father Danny and her sister Amy.
