Barbara Wallen Lovelace

Barbara Wallen Lovelace, 75, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away on October 3, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on October 2, 1949, in Kyles Ford, Tennessee to the late Mae and James Wallen. 

A graduate of Boiling Springs High School (Class of 1967), Barbara dedicated her life to nurturing and educating young minds. For nearly three decades, she served as a devoted teacher at First Baptist Spartanburg Preschool, working with two-year-olds. Known affectionately as "Mrs. Barbara," she exemplified dedication and passion, always staying connected with the children and their families.

Barbara was outgoing and warm-hearted; she was a true conversationalist who never met a stranger. Her selflessness and generosity were evident to all who knew her, and she had an incredible ability to uplift those around her. Barbara represented the teachings of Christ in her everyday actions, always seeking to touch the lives of others with kindness and compassion. Most of all, she touched the lives of her family. Barbara was a caring wife, devoted mother, and loved each of her grandchildren deeply.

Her commitment to her faith was palpable, as she devoted every chance she could to her church, First Baptist Spartanburg. Her love for God and her community made her an integral part of the fabric of her church family. Outside her professional and spiritual life, Barbara was a passionate fan of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. She will be remembered as an extraordinary individual whose warmth and loving spirit touched the lives of countless people.

Barbara will be missed by many, including her husband of 56 years, Stephen Lovelace; children, Stephanie Fisher (Wayne) of Spartanburg, Chris Lovelace (Missie) of Myrtle Beach, and Melissa Brown (Kenneth) of Moore; grandchildren, Grant Fisher, Austin Grant, Jeana Collins (Spencer), Dawson Lovelace, Jamison Brown, and Caitlin Lovelace; and sisters, Janet Waters (James) of Boiling Springs and Wanda Mullis (Michael) of Midland, MI. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Judy Lanning.

Visitation will be 11:00am-12:30pm on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Dunbar Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1:00pm, conducted by Rev. Greg Springsteen and Rev. Sal Barone. Burial will immediately follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307.

In honor of Barbara, memorial contributions may be made to Glendale Baptist Church (Shut-In Meals Ministry) PO Box 268, Glendale, SC 29346. 

Barbara's service will be livestreamed on our facebook livestream page.

https://www.facebook.com/dunbarlivestream