07/02/2026
SMART Local #177 mourns the passing of one of our strongest allies and a towering figure in the Union labor movement across Nashville and the South: Union Sister and Central Labor Council of Middle Tennessee President Vonda McDaniel.
For more than three decades, Vonda poured her heart, energy, and unwavering enthusiasm into improving the lives and working conditions of Middle Tennesseans. She was a tireless advocate for Union values and a powerful force for solidarity among working-class families.
Many of our newest members first met Vonda through her leadership of Music City Construction Careers and Nashville’s annual Labor Day parades. Both initiatives became cornerstones of our movement thanks to her vision, guidance, and fierce commitment to uniting the trades and strengthening labor in the South.
Vonda was irreplaceable! She will be deeply missed as we continue the work she loved so much and strive to honor her enduring legacy. Service details have not yet been released, but we will share them as soon as they become available.
