Reverend Clarence J. Fennell

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 15:16  This verse of scripture describes the life of Reverend Clarence J. Fennell. 

Visitation will be held Friday, July 5, 2019 from 6-7 pm , Martin Funeral Home, 161 Clarke Avenue, Estill, SC.  Funeral service Saturday, July 6, 2019, 1;00 pm, Martin Temple CME Church, 583 Keene Ave, Estill, SC.

Reverend Clarence J. Fennell was born October 18, 1927 in Yemassee, South Carolina to the late Reverend Clarence L. Fennell and Bessie Williams Fey 

He was educated in the public schools of Hampton County and Voorhees High School, Denmark, South Carolina.  He completed his college education at Voorhees Junior College, Denmark, South Carolina, Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina and South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, South Carolina.  He holds the B.A. and M.ED. degrees.

Reverend Fennell entered the teaching profession in 1957 at the Estill Training School. He worked in Hampton School District 2 schools nineteen years.  He taught English at Estill Training School for eight years; served as Principal of Gifford-Luray Middle School for nine years and Estill Elementary School for two years, and district supervisor of instruction for two years.  He also taught English at Robert Smalls High School in Beaufort, South Carolina for one year. He retired in 1990 after a ten year stint at Fennell Elementary School which was named after his father.

He was a United States Army Veteran of World War II, 1945-1947 and the Korean Conflict, 1952-55.  He served honorably at home and abroad and received numerous awards and medals.  He was discharged in 1955.

Reverend Fennell was called to the Christian Ministry in 1959 and was ordained by the Christian Methodist Church in 1961. He pastored nine churches in Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton counties. Two new churches were built under his guidance.  He retired in 1992 after thirty two years of service.  After retirement, he returned to Martin Temple CME Church where his journey began.  He attended and supported his church faithfully until his death.

Always an active community leader, he served on the Hampton County DSS Board, Low Country Community Action Agency, Hampton County Education Association, Hampton County Branch of the NAACP, Voorhees College Board, Board of Christian Education and the Commission of Ministry of the CME Church.  He served his community and country faithfully and with distinction.

Reverend Fennell was joined in holy matrimony to the late Minnie Margaret Albany his Voorhees College sweetheart.  They were married for fifty five years.  From this union came two supportive children:  Deloris Fennell Strong of Estill , South Carolina and Clarence J. (Georgette) Fennell Jr. of Austin, Texas.

Along with his children, he leaves his memories with: Two brothers Herman Levy (Mary) Fennell, Long Island, New York, Deacon James (Margie) Fennell, Yemassee, South Carolina and an  adopted brother Deacon Samuel (Margaret) Greene, Yemassee. South Carolina. Five grandchildren: Clari L. Fennell, Tiffany S. (James) Moore, Gena F. (Byron) Pearson, Lindsey Strong, Corri F. (Nelson) Lewis. Thirteen great-grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Reverend Fennell has a host of friends and family who have loved him dearly.  

Eight brothers and a sister preceded him in death: Anna B. Cochran, Ben Fennell, Booker T. Fennell, Elijah Fennell, John Fennell, Marion Fennell, Melvin Fennell, McCauley Fennell and Willie Fennell.

He is eternally grateful to his wonderful caregivers: Deloris F. Strong, Silvia Prescott, and Chlotelia Austin Bibbs

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