Barbara O'Delle (Delle) Gantt Barnwell

A southern lady of great charm with a gift of hospitality, Barbara O’Delle “Delle” Gantt Barnwell passed away in her sleep on Christmas Day.

Born in Elmore County, Alabama on Groundhog Day in 1938. She was raised along with her older brother and sister, Jimmy and Gloria in Wetumpka, Alabama. She loved running around town with her best friend, Sylvia. They would ride their bikes and enjoyed putting on a show after watching a musical at the movie theater.

She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in accounting and moved to Birmingham, Alabama. While singing in the First Baptist Church Choir, she met the love of her life Bill Barnwell. They married in 1962 and were happily married for over 62 years.

Moving to Dalton in 1970, Bill, Delle, and their young family began a life in Dalton as Bill started his medical practice. They enjoyed entertaining and hosting dinner parties. They began a gourmet supper club that met monthly for almost 40 years.

She reached out to the local community by her involvement with local organizations and charities such as the Whitfield County Juvenile Court Citizens’ Review Panel, Alzheimer’s Association, Lesche Woman’s Club of Dalton, the American Cancer Society, the Gourmet Gardners and the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

A member of the First Baptist Church of Dalton, she and Bill taught adult Sunday School and sang in the sanctuary choir.

She is predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James R. Gantt, bother, Dr. James Gantt, sister, Gloria Gantt Edwards, son, Madison and her husband, Bill Barnwell. She is survived by her daughter, Lillian, and son, Bart (fiancé Layne).

She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and she loved her family. She brought a wealth of grace and love to those around her. We are grateful for the lives she touched.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the many caregivers and hospice team who provided loving care to her. We are grateful that when Delle and her husband Bill could no longer attend church, Jeff Jagadich and the late Scot Lavelle came to them by providing weekly Sunday school.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate Delle's life will be conducted at in the Sanctuary of Dalton First Baptist Church on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Larry Flanagan and Rev. Dr. Jonathan Barlow officiating.  Delle will be laid to rest following the service in Whitfield Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends for visitation in the Atrium of Dalton First Baptist Church on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 11:00 A.M. until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rapha House Scholarship fund. Please make checks payable to Christchurch Presbyterian with the Rapha House Scholarship fund in the memo line, 510 South Tibbs Road, Dalton GA 30720.