Barbara G. Fennell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Gail Fennell who departed this life after 82 years filled with love, adventure, and service. She passed away July 1, 2026, after a short illness.

Services will be this Thursday, July 9, at the Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 3800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL, 36106. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral service will follow at 11:00. Elders of the Vaughn Park Church will serve as pallbearers. Burial will be in Childersburg, Alabama, at Greenhill Cemetery with a very, very brief graveside service at 4:00 p.m.

Barbara was born in Florence, Alabama, but her Dad’s TVA job moved them eventually to Childersburg, Alabama, where the family settled. She was Valedictorian of her CHS Class of ’62 and later was graduated from David Lipscomb College (now University.) After her graduation, she returned to Childersburg to teach at the high school for 6 years. During that time she attended Auburn University and earned a Master’s degree in Education.

She was recruited by the State Department of Education in Montgomery to take a temporary job at the state office and that “temporary job” turned into a 30+ years career. During her employment with SDE she worked within several different departments but she especially loved her last major assignment (teacher recruitment) which involved recruiting high school students and second-career adults in the teaching profession. She helped them find employment as educators which also helped local school systems fill vacancies with qualified applicants. According to several of her colleagues, Barbara’s work ethic, cheerful outlook and ability to work with all types of individuals, even in intense situations, made her a delightful co-worker.

After retiring in 2005, she found joy in spiritual growth, in gardening (mostly flowers including antique roses), traveling worldwide (visiting 20+ countries), in her many cats, and spending meaningful time with family and friends. Her travel adventures and experiences were a reflection of her curiosity and appreciation for the richness of life around the world. She loved visiting God’s creations.

Barbara was a charter member of Vaughn Park Church of Christ and was most happy when she was serving others, working in many various ministries throughout the years.

Barbara was the oldest daughter of James W. and Marguriette (Young) Fennell, both of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her one sister, Judy Fennell Brown, and by many beloved cousins and very close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either of Barbara’s two favorite charities: Agape, P.O. Box 230472, Montgomery, AL, 36123-0472, or to: Rainbow Omega, P.O. Box 740, Eastaboga, AL, 36260.

Barbara’s family would like to say a special thank you to the wonderful nurses and all staff at Jackson Hospital, Baptist East Hospital, Crowne Health Care, and ACG Hospice for their exceptional care and support of both the patient and the family during this difficult time.

She will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched throughout her extraordinary journey but will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, gentleness, and sense of humor.