Rev. Dr. Deborah Ardienne Dennis

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Deborah Ardienne Dennis

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Ardienne Dennis quietly transitioned into her Heavenly Father’s arms on September 16, 2026. Dr. Dennis was born in Columbus, Ohio, on August 15, 1951, to the late Valdienne Ryan and Arthur Roy Dennis, Sr. She was the oldest of seven children.

Dr. Dennis accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age on February 11, 1960. She became a faithful Christian and was baptized at the Refuge Baptist Church by the late Pastor William Calloway.

A Ministry Of Purpose And Leadership

She acknowledged her sacred calling into the preaching ministry on February 26, 1989. She was licensed to preach at the Mt. Period Missionary Baptist Church in 1990 and was later ordained by the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in 1999. Dr. Dennis was a brilliant scholar, dedicating her life to higher education and transformational leadership. Her impressive educational background includes:

• Ohio Dominican College — Bachelor of Arts in Cross-Disciplinary Studies (1993) 
• Ashland Theological Seminary — Master of Arts in Christian Education (1999) 

Ashland Theological Seminary — Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership (2007)

Professionally, Dr. Dennis dedicated 30 years of excellence as a Company Advocate for the Ameritech Telephone Company.

On Sunday, December 5, 1997, Dr. Dennis united with the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church under the visionary leadership of the Reverend Dr. Charles E. Booth. In April 2001, she officially joined the staff as the Minister of Christian Education, serving faithfully in this role for 15 years. Following her graduation, she served on the Columbus Ashland Theological Seminary (ATS) Advisory Board, as an adjunct professor, and as a Professional Associate at United Theological Seminary. Breaking barriers, she made history as the first woman to serve as the Dean of the Congress of Christian Education for the E.U.M.B.A.

A gifted writer, she was honored in 2014 to contribute the chapter “Preaching and Its Impact on Christian Education” to the book "Living An Imposed Sentence: Imprints from the Preaching Life of Dr. Charles Booth." That same year, she published an article titled “Spiritual Formation: A Journey Toward Christ-Like Transformation” in the Ashland Theological Seminary magazine.

Strength and Triumphant Faith

In October 2016, Dr. Dennis experienced a life-altering stroke. While facing physical limitations was challenging, she relied heavily on God’s grace and the encouragement of others. On November 20, 2016, Dr. Booth lovingly bestowed upon her the high distinction of Minister Emeritus of Christian Education, a title she retained with honor as she continued to serve faithfully until her illness prevented her from doing so.

On May 16, 2021, God blessed Mount Olivet with a new leader, Dr. Eugene Gibson, Jr. (affectionately called “Pastor Geno” and First Lady Shakitha (“First Lady G”). Embracing her enduring spirit, Pastor Gibson gave Dr. Dennis the beautiful opportunity on May 24, 2021, to actively participate in preaching, leading worship, and serving across several ministries. Her love, strength, and compassion truly remained her superpower until the very end.

• Those Who Preceded Her in Death
• Dr. Dennis was reunited in glory with:
• Parents: Arthur R. Dennis, Sr. and Valdienne Dennis
• Sisters: Connie Dennis and Janice Blackston
• Brothers: William Dennis and Arthur Roy Dennis, Jr.
• Brother-in-law: Oliver Blackston, Sr.
• Maternal Grandparents: Sherman and Edith Ryan Browder (Columbus, OH)
• Maternal Great-Grandparents: James A. and Mioma Mae Woodfork (Bloomingburg, OH)
• Paternal Grandparents: James and Deborah Dennis (Nathalie, VA)
• A host of beloved aunts, uncles, and other dear relatives.
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• Those Who Cherish Her Memory
• She leaves behind a rich legacy of love and devotion, carried on by:
• Her Beloved Only Son and Her Heart: David Lorenzo Dennis, Sr. (and her devoted Daughter-in-Love, Nikki)
• Grandchildren: David Jr., Amanda, and Devin
• Great-Granddaughter: Ka’lena Eldridge
• Brother: Jeffrey (Angela) Dennis
• Sister: Marcia Dennis
• Sister-in-Love: Rita Dennis
• A multitude of special aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and the countless souls she touched throughout her impactful life at Refuge Baptist Church, Mt. Period Baptist Church, and Mt. Olivet Baptist Church.
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