Lori Darnell

(From Parker Mortuary)

Lori Thomas Darnell, age 54, Joplin, passed away Monday, September 19, 2023 at Mercy Hospital.

Lori was born in Carthage, Missouri on February 28, 1969 and she grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which she considered her home.

Lori graduated from Boyd Buchanan School in Chattanooga and was a member of the Hickory Valley Christian Church which her late father, Reggie Thomas, was the Minister. Lori was baptized at a young age in church camp in Tennessee and from that young age she was involved with missions work. Lori traveled the world with her parents and siblings to over 80 countries planting churches through their ministry of White Fields Overseas Evangelism.

Lori had a heart for those in need and would put their needs ahead of her own and especially when it came to children in Haiti, India, Liberia, and Bulgaria. Lori spent much of her time in Haiti which she considered her second home. Lori even convinced Zane to honeymoon in Haiti after their wedding. Lori was so proud of each of her children overseas to see them grow up knowing Jesus Christ and becoming productive members of society. Lori will be missed, but her life work at White Fields will continue, and we know Lori will still be watching and guiding us.

Lori was very active in her church, Villa Heights Christian Church until many medical issues prevented her from attending like she would have loved. Lori was married to Zane Darnell on November 24, 1990 at Hickory Valley Christian Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He survives at the home.







Additional survivors include her daughter, Lacey Darnell, her mother Esther Thomas Jamison and husband, Larry, her brothers Tony Thomas and wife, Christie, Tracy Thomas and wife, Janie, Tim Thomas and wife, Sandy. Her sisters, Teresa Diener, and husband, Bud and Chris Henson and husband, Mark, her adopted daughter Julie Hadley, her aunt, Barbara Barger, her uncle, Ed Thomas, her many nieces and nephews and extended family.

In addition to her father, Reggie Thomas. Lori was preceded in death by one son, David Zane Darnell and two brothers, Terry Thomas and Tom Fullerton.


A Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, September 22nd at 10:30 a.m. at Villa Heights Christian Church with Steve Bycroft and Larry Jamison, Ministers officiating.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Lori to White Fields Overseas Evangelism P.O. Box 1089 Joplin, MO 64802-1089.