Dalene (Fennell) Barnhill

Dalene Fennell Barnhill was born on June 13, 1952, to the late Rev. Wayne and Imogene Fennell. While at the Scotland Regional Hospice – Morrison Manor in Laurinburg, NC, surrounded by family, she passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2025. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and pastor’s wife.

She was born in Vernon, Texas and lived in several states through the years growing up. As a child she spent many years under the ministry of Rev. Samuel White in Bellflower, California and later under the ministry of her father, Rev. Wayne Fennell, when he first became a pastor in Indio, California. In September of 1962, while living in Oregon, she received the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus Name in June of 1963. Her family moved to Marysville, Washington where they lived for several years until her father accepted a position as pastor in Great Falls, Montana.

While in Montana she met the love of her life and was married to Rev. Joe Barnhill for almost 50 years. To this union they were blessed with two children. Together they made a beautiful team lead by God. They served others and offered encouragement to many, both locally and out of town.

Dalene began teaching Sunday School at the age of twelve. In later years she took up making peanut brittle for the church, a talent she learned from her father. During the winter months she continued the tradition of making brittle to raise money for different projects at the church.

In 1992, she became a pastor’s wife when her husband became pastor of Apostolic Way and then in 1998, Apostolic Lighthouse Tabernacle. Along with being a great pastor’s wife, she also taught Sunday School throughout the years, and worked in many different areas of the church.

In 2011, she graduated from Sandhills Community College with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Dalene began to homeschool her grandchildren until they reached 9th grade and they transitioned to public school. She always had a heart for children.

She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and most recently her great-grandson all of whom she loved dearly. Shopping, traveling, crafting/sewing, reading/listening to books, and listening to music were all hobbies she enjoyed. She was known for collecting elephants and Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. Let’s not forget Diet Dr. Pepper, tacos, biscuits and gravy, and especially ice cream. Above all, her truest joy was from church, where she was faithful in services and activities. She loved to pray and sing praises, through the good and bad days. A mentor and friend she was to many people speaking words of encouragement to those in her life. Thank you for the joy you brought to many lives, you will always be loved and deeply missed.

 Dalene was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Clay Fennell and Carl Fennell; and one sister, Suson Crawford.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, Rev. Joe Barnhill of Laurinburg, NC; two children: Carlena Locklear (Matthew) of Laurel Hill, NC and Michael Anthony Barnhill of Laurinburg, NC; grandchildren, Chandler Langley of Laurinburg, NC and Bethany Langley of Laurel Hill, NC; one great-grandson, Liam of Laurel Hill, NC; two brothers, Rev. Michael Fennell (Ruth) of Granbury, TX and Allon “Sam” Fennell (Cindy) of Marysville, WA; sister-in-law, Linda Fennell of Marysville, WA; brother-in-law, Steven Crawford of Granbury, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and church family.

The family would like to thank the staff at Scotland Regional Hospice – Morrison Manor for the wonderful care they provided.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the Apostolic Lighthouse Tabernacle. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Malpass Cemetery in Currie, NC. 

A time of visitation will be held prior to the service on Saturday beginning 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. at the church.   

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dalene (Fennell) Barnhill, please visit our Tree Store.