Dale Locklear

Mrs. Dale Locklear, age 72, of Red Springs, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 3, 1953, in Fairmont, North Carolina, and was the daughter of the late Irene Oxendine.

After a long and dedicated career in education, Mrs. Dale inspired and shaped the minds of countless students. She earned her teaching degree from Pembroke State University, now the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and later received her master’s degree from Campbell University. She became a devoted educator with the Public Schools of Robeson County, where she made a profound impact on her students. In addition to being a dedicated teacher, she also served as a mentor, guiding and encouraging others in the field of education.

One of Mrs. Dale’s greatest joys in life was being a grandmother. She was a woman of great strength and deep love for her family, and that love was evident in the sacrifices she made without hesitation for her children and grandchildren. As a mother, she gave endlessly. Her love was fierce, protective, and unconditional. She celebrated every victory, no matter how small, and remained a steady source of support through every hardship. Her wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering love will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew her.

Mrs. Dale is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Arnold Locklear; her children, Mark Daniel Locklear (Lisa), Tiffany Locklear Pennink (Andrew), and Arnold Corey Locklear; her stepchildren, Tim E. Locklear (Christina) and Don Eddings (Mary); her grandchildren, Mark Ayden Locklear, Brooks Alexander Menno Pennink, Stella Miachelle Pennink, Alexis A. Locklear, Quanah River John Locklear, Joshua Eddings, and La’tisha Eddings; and her brother, Lloyd Oxendine.

Though our hearts are broken, we find peace in knowing that she went home to be with the Lord. Her love will never leave us. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she will be deeply missed beyond words, yet forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her honor.

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