Evangelist Darlene L. McKinnon was born to Mr. Ollie Lemons, Jr. (deceased) and Mrs. Willie Mae Wilbon of Statesboro, GA, on June 23, 1967 in Camden, NJ. She graduated from  high school in 1985 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1986. As a Senior Noncommissioned Officer, she served as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Her duty stations included Fort Jackson, SC; Fort Sam Houston, TX; Fort Polk, LA; Saudi Arabia (Desert Storm/ Desert Shield); Redstone Arsenal, AL; Yongsan, South Korea; Fort Gordon, GA; Fort Sill, OK; Heidelberg, Germany; and Fort Bliss, TX. Her dedicated service to her Country earned her countless awards and decorations. After serving in the United States Army for 22 years and 19 days, Evangelist McKinnon retired in October 2008.

 

Evangelist McKinnon enlisted in the Army of the Lord in July 1995. She was baptized in Jesus' Name and filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost at Pentecostal Lighthouse, Huntsville, AL ., under the leadership of Elder Johnny Burrell. She is a licensed evangelist of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. As a Soldier of the Lord, she has spread the gospel nationally as well as internationally, both in Europe and South Korea.

 

Evangelist McKinnon, prior to becoming the First Lady of Words of Life Ministries, was a member of Greater Apostolic Holy Temple, Hephzibah, GA, where Bishop Booker T. Hayes, Jr., is the Pastor. Under Bishop Hayes’ leadership, Evangelist McKinnon served in many capacities, such as a Primary Sunday School teacher, ministry leader for the Youth Department, Adult Sunday School teacher, Christian Education Assistant Superintendent, Altar worker and Armor bearer.

Evangelist McKinnon holds the following degrees: Associate of Science (Pre-Law); Bachelor of Science (Criminal Justice); Masters of Business Administration (Healthcare Administration); Masters of  Business Administration (Management Information Systems). She has pursued her Doctorate of Business Administration (Healthcare Administration).

 

Evangelist McKinnon served as an online facilitator for University of Phoenix for over 10 years. In 2019, Evangelist McKinnon retired from Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Ft. Gordon, GA. She has served as the Director of the Lemons Heart Program: a program named in honor of her father, Ollie Lemons, Jr., who lost his battle with cardiovascular disease on November 3, 2005.

 

Evangelist McKinnon is married to her high school sweetheart, of over 36 years, Elder Darien McKinnon of Claxton, GA. Elder and Evangelist McKinnon have nurtured two beautiful children, Brittne D. Berry, of Marietta, GA and Desmond K. McKinnon, of  Kennesaw, GA. They have two handsome grandsons, Jayden T. and Malik A. Berry.  She is a happy Mother-in-law to the best son-in-law, Tyron Berry.

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