Dorene Tenney, 61, of Buckhannon, made the journey to Heaven on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from Holbrook Healthcare Center.
She was born in Akron, Ohio, on November 24, 1964, a daughter of the late Dora Mullins Levistor and James Ledford, who survives. With her mother, she is greeted at Heaven’s Gate by two siblings: Rita Rehing and David Danforth.
On September 24, 1983, Dorene married her true love and partner, Samuel Wade Tenney. Together they raised and loved a family: four children, Samuel Adam Tenney and wife, Jessica, of Haslet, Texas; Justin Wade Tenney and wife, Mandy, of Casey Act, Australia; James Allen Tenney and wife, Kam, of Bridgeport; and Ashley Dorene Tenney and fiancé, Richard Haidacher, of Edenburg, Virginia; three grandchildren, Samuel Peter Tenney, Jennifer Kiwi Tenney, and Ratchanan Kotkaeo “JJ”; one grandchild on the way; twin sister Darlene Sellers and husband, Rob, of Buckhannon; three siblings, Tammy Murrell and husband, Jerry, of Buckhannon, Avery Beltcher and wife, Royce, of Akron, Ohio, and Harvey Beltcher and wife, Randi, of Charleston, South Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.
Her dedication to assisting others was evident in her profession as a nursing assistant, where she provided unwavering support to those in need. Her professional journey also included stints at Ashland Sales and Service, Holbrooks Healthcare, the Bicentennial Motel, Western Steer Steakhouse, Shop-A-Minute, and Appalachian Acres. Dorene was a 1983 graduate of Buckhannon-Upshur High School, and her determination and resilience were inspiring to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Dorene’s creativity shone brightly in her love for knitting, a hobby that transcended into a cherished gift for her children—she lovingly made their clothes when they were young, and her creations were so immaculate one couldn’t tell they weren’t store-bought. Her homemade clothes were a testament to her skill and the depth of her love. As Maya Angelou once said, “I work really hard to just focus on the joy of the work that I get to do and the impact that it has on the world.” Dorene’s work, both in her career and at home, was a labor of love that brought joy and comfort to many.
Friends and family will gather for visitation at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Clutter Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jerry Murrell officiating. Interment will follow in the Tenmile Baptist Cemetery.
We, at Clutter Funeral & Cremation, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Dorene Tenney. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.
