The History of Barnum Funeral Home

Barnum Funeral Home was founded in April of 1905 in Americus, Georgia, by Dennis Edward Barnum—a house painter and carpenter from Stewart County—alongside his wife, Lorena, and his mother, Molly, a former slave. Built on faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to community service, the funeral home began as a family effort rooted in dignity and care for others. Dennis and Lorena Barnum were the parents of two children, Willie Bell and John Lee.

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Committed to professional excellence, Dennis Edward Barnum received his formal training from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer. His dedication established a standard of compassionate, professional service that would define Barnum Funeral Home for generations.

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That legacy continued through his son, John Lee Barnum, who followed in his father’s footsteps. After graduating from Lincoln University—where he lettered in four sports, joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and later served in the U.S. Army during World War I—John Lee attended the Atlanta College of Mortuary Science. He became a licensed embalmer and funeral director and married Mabel Elliott of Albany, Georgia. Mabel was a graduate of Fisk University and the daughter of funeral director George Elliott, founder of Elliott Funeral Home in 1900. Together, they strengthened a family tradition grounded in service, education, and professionalism.

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John Lee and Mabel’s children, Lois Elliott Barnum and John Lee Barnum, Jr., continued the family calling after attending Hampton University, becoming licensed funeral directors and embalmers. John Lee, Jr.’s wife, Thelma Gray Barnum—also a Hampton graduate and longtime public-school educator—was likewise a licensed funeral director. Their three children—John Lee Barnum III, Lorena Barnum, and Dennis Barnum—each became licensed funeral directors, with John III and Lorena also earning licensure as embalmers.

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Today, Barnum Funeral Home, Inc. remains a family-owned and operated mortuary, proudly serving Southwest Georgia for more than 120 years. The business is led by Lorena Barnum Sabbs, President and Owner, a 1973 graduate of Fisk University and an honors graduate of the first Funeral Service Degree Program at Ogeechee Technical College. Under her leadership, the funeral home continues its enduring mission to guide families through difficult moments with compassion, professionalism, and thoughtful care.

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Lorena Barnum Sabbs and her husband, Darrell, have raised five children: Darrell Jr. (Shawn), a graduate of Albany State University and Ogeechee Technical College; Martin Malik (deceased); Alia (Mike), a graduate of Spelman College and education facilitator; Marcus (Brigette), a graduate of Morehouse College and education consultant; and Dr. Raven Payne, a graduate of Spelman College and Assistant Vice President of Student Success at Albany State University. The family is also blessed with six granddaughters—Leila, Nylah, Malia, Serene, Gia and Kendall—and two grandsons, Darrell III and Noel.​​