Frances Arnold was born on June 29, 1945 in Humphreys County, Mississippi. She was the third daughter born to James and Allie B. Hudson.
Frances graduated from George Washington High School in 1962 with her High School Diploma and shortly after she married her high school sweetheart William Arnold, Sr. on December 8, 1963. Frances was a family oriented woman who loved children. It was her passion for both her family and children that motivated her to open her own in home business. With her nieces, Kavada and Ajile and nephew, Elijah, as her first clients, Frances Nursery was born. Her Nursery business gradually grew and successfully thrived for several years.
Frances was previously a member of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Jamaica, NY, until moving to Virginia Beach, Virginia in the year 2000. After visiting a few churches, Frances found a new church home at New Calvary Baptist Church. She was an active member of the church and enjoyed serving as a part of both the Hospitality and Golden Ages Ministries.
Frances was a woman of God and virtue. A Praying woman, The protector who’s like an guardian angel for so many. The one who was not afraid to be honest with you whether you wanted to hear it or not. The one who you could always count on to have your back no matter what. Frances was beloved and depended on by many. She was funny, caring, honest, charismatic, charming, and had a personality that commanded the utmost respect. She was your best friend, kept your secrets, and gave the most awesome support and guidance while always reminding you to “Put God first.” Frances was a fashionista in her own right! With her impeccable taste in clothing and beautiful smile, she lit up any room she entered.
On Thursday April 23, 2020, “God saw the road was getting rough, and the hills too hard to climb. So he gently closed her loving eyes, and whispered, “Peace be thine. Frances went home to glory at the age of 74 surrounded in love by her husband, William; daughter, Erica; grandson, Darrius and nieces, Ayonnah, Tanya and Miya.
Frances leaves behind her devoted husband of 57 yrs William Arnold, Sr.; daughter, Erica Sonya Arnold-Hickman; two sons, William Arnold, Jr. and Howard Jackson; grandsons, Darrius and Demetrius Arnold; granddaughter, Brianna Hickman; great granddaughter, Layla; son-in-law, Bennie Hickman; daughter-in-law, Centrial Jackson; sister, Ernestine Green; brother, Rory Hudson; brother-in-law, Delroy Green and Roosevelt Terrell; goddaughter, Kerara Green and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Condolences(25)-
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
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Patricia Weaver says
April 27, 2020 at 4:16 pmWilliam , Erica and Family, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you doing this time of sorrow. Frances was a loving ,caring and devoted member of The Golden Ages Ministry of New Calvary Baptist Church. Please keep her memories close to your heart always ,as I will. She’ll be missed dearly.
Glenda Hudson says
May 5, 2020 at 12:49 pmMy deepest condolences to my family I have loss a beautiful cousin who had a heart of gold Frances you earned your wings I can’t explain the pain I’m having now do your leaving the family so sudden , But I can said this you Fran had found your room in God’s mansion and his garden has found a beautiful rose you will be missed dearly love all your first cousin Glenda ❤️
Laine Cannady Jones says
May 6, 2020 at 1:07 pmTo William Sr.and William Jr. And Erica and also my cousin Earnestine and Royrie .You have my deepest sorrow with the lost of Frances.She was always a very special person to my sister and brother and I.She was the true meaning of a big cousin and I will never forget CV her as part of my life. .luv Elaine Cannady Jones
Donette says
April 27, 2020 at 6:03 pmTo a very special lady in my life. Aunt Franie .
You have made such a strong impact in my life And my daughters life growing up . your title was my aunt,, but your love was like a mother! You were the auntie that as a child I could come to any time of the day or night To express myself,,, as long as it was before 12 – after 4 ( those were her soap opera hours). She would sit and give you her undivided attention at 4:01pm you could tell her what’s on your mind she would hear your every word and pass you a tissue when needed , she would even give you a big ole aunt Franie hug as you break down telling your story.
Then she would give you her best auntie suggestions and tell you no matter what happened it will get better and seal her words with a big hug and kiss ????.
You know as a child Back in the day you were not able to express yourself or have a opinion. But not in AUNT FRANIES world she made you feel like your voice mattered! ❤️ And that is why she will go on record to me BEST AUNTIE! Farewell for now and Please tell the rest of our family in heaven I love them. Ps I’m glad your not alone ????. May your wings be as Beautiful as your heart! ????
Dear God please Keep your loving arms around the family during this tuff time. Strength ???????? Healing
Love you Tunie (AKA) Donette
Donette says
April 27, 2020 at 7:54 pmTo a very special lady in my life. Aunt Franie .
You have made such a strong impact in my life And my daughters life growing up . your title was my aunt,, but your love was like a mother! You were the auntie that as a child I could come to any time of the day or night To express myself,,, and you would be before 12 – after 4 ( those were her soap opera hours). She would sit and give you her undivided attention at 4:01pm you could tell her what’s on your mind she would hear your every word and pass you a tissue, she would even give you a big ole aunt Franie hug as you break down telling your story.
Then she would give you her suggestions and tell you no matter what happened it will get better and seal her words with a big hug and kiss ????.
You know as a child Back in the day you were not able to express yourself or have a option. But not on AUNT FRANIES world she made you feel like your voice mattered! ❤️ And that is why she will go on record for BEST AUNTIE! Farewell for now and Please tell the rest of our family in heaven I love them and I’m glad your not alone ????????. May your wings be as Beautiful as your heart!
Dear God Bless this family during this difficult time. And keep your loving Arms around them! With love and sorrow, Tunie (AKA) Net, (AKA) Donette
Miriam Franklin says
April 30, 2020 at 12:48 amMr.Arnold, Erica and Family .
A Beautiful soul has left this Earth and is now watching over you from above. She was a very Sweet and loving Person.She will be missed by all.My Sincere Condolences to the Family. May God Comfort you always with the Sweet Memories you hold in your Hearts.
Dee Vann says
May 5, 2020 at 11:52 amTo William, Erica and the entire Arnold family, my sincere and deepest sympathy to you as you mourn the loss of the pillar of your family, France, Wife, Mother and Grandmother. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS and grant you comfort, peace and fond memories.
Phyllis Johns says
May 1, 2020 at 12:31 amTo the a family of Frances Arnold:
Frances served with me on the Hospitality Ministry at New Calvary Baptist Church and her personality was like a ray of sunshine and cheerfulness. She was a fantastic mother, wife, aunt and grandmother and I will miss her!
Phyllis Johns says
May 1, 2020 at 12:34 amTo the family of Frances Arnold:
Frances served with me on the Hospitality Ministry at New Calvary Baptist Church and her personality was like a ray of sunshine and cheerfulness. She was a fantastic mother, wife, aunt and grandmother and I will miss her!
Laine says
May 6, 2020 at 11:58 amMy condolence to my family .Keep your head up family and continue to keep your hands on God hands and it will get better as time goes on.Luv Elaine
Faye & Eddie H. Moore, Jr.-Michigan City, Indiana 46360 says
May 3, 2020 at 3:03 pmCousin William Arnold and family you have my prayers. Frances will truly be missed. She had the perfect personaliaty, beautiful smile and always made me feel special. May the Lord watch between you and she until you meet again in eternity. I love you guys and I know that the Lord will give you strength to make it through these hard and difficult times.
Faye & Eddie Moore-Michigan City, Indiana
Johnny & Mary Roquemore says
May 4, 2020 at 9:20 pmWilliam,Erica and family words cannot express how we are feeling at the lost of our dear friend FRANCES. She brought so much joy to everyone around her. She is already missed by us and our family.
We hope that knowing how special she was to so many people will give you and the family much comfort. We miss our FRANCES.
Mitzi says
May 6, 2020 at 3:27 pmUncle William , Erica and family it was a great joy to know
the wife , Mother, Aunt & Grandmother . Aunt Frances will truly be missed. keeping the family in prayer
Cheryl Fry says
May 5, 2020 at 12:38 pmMy deepest condolences, cousin Fran you were the one who called me everyday to help me through my grieving process when my mother passed. You always gave me advice and guidance. I appreciated that so much. I will miss you dearly. Thank you and love you. I wish I could be as wise and give some advice to Erica, William that you helped me with. I’m not as well versed, so I will just say I love you Cousin Erica, and William and the boys William Jr and Howard.
Robin Davis says
May 5, 2020 at 1:55 pmTo the Arnold family,
I send out prayers for you in your time of sorrow. I hope God will grant you peace. Ms. Frances was my neighbor and I can still hear her voice hollering out a hello and always smiling.
She gave me words of comfort when my own mother passed away years ago that I always remembered and made me feel better. Rest in peace lovely lady.
Ella & Alex says
May 6, 2020 at 7:32 amOur hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow
Beverlyn Wright says
May 6, 2020 at 3:00 pmTO WILLIAM AND ERICA AND LIL WILLIAM MY HEART IS BROKEN YOUR MOM WAS LIKE A MOTHER TO ME GROWING UP AND WHEN I GOT OLDER HER SMILE WAS SO PLEASANT AND HER HEART WAS GOOD SHE ALWAYS SHOW LOVE FOR ME AND MY SISTER’S AND BROTHER SHE WILL TRULY BE MISSED I LOVE YOU FRANCES AND MISS YOU ALREADY BUT I KNOW YOU WILL BE IN HEAVEN WATCHING OVER ME AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY YOUR LEGACY AND WORDS ARE FOREVER IN MY HEART A QUEEN GONE HOME I LOVE YOU ALWAYS S.I.P.
Irene Rice says
May 6, 2020 at 10:22 amMy deepest condolences to the Arnold family, Although I haven’t seen or spoken to you aunt Frances in years. I know you was a very caring, patient and loving woman of God. From Roz and Bim, Charnette’s God family.
Ebony Cook says
May 6, 2020 at 10:39 amMy condolence to the family!!!!
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!!!!!
Gail H Lewis says
May 6, 2020 at 10:49 amJohn & Gail Lewis and Family Greensboro NC
Cousins William, Erica and Family,
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of our beloved Frances. We are standing with you today from across the miles; as we too say our final good bye and pray that you can feel our heartfelt love and support. You introduced your bride, Frances to our family 57 years ago and we fell in love with her warm smile and loving spirit. She was immediately FAMILY never a stranger and remained the same.
May God’s love keep you and comfort you.
Rudolph and Oprah Keeling says
May 6, 2020 at 1:21 pmTo our beloved cousin William Earl and family we are deeply sorry for your loss which was also our loss we loved and respected Frances so deeply she was like the matron of cousins she will be truly missed and always have a special place in our heart forever
Beverlyn Wright says
May 6, 2020 at 3:03 pmTo all of my family the Arnold’s and Hudson’s you have my condolences but Frances will always be with us gone but not forgotten
Mitzi says
May 6, 2020 at 3:30 pmUncle William , Erica and family it was a great joy to know
the wife , Mother, Aunt & Grandmother . Aunt Frances will truly be missed. keeping the family in prayer
Gwendolyn Warren says
May 6, 2020 at 9:40 pmTo the Arnold family,
I have lost a dear friend and neighbor. I will miss those times when we would run into each other in the neighborhood and catch up on all the things we had missed in each other’s lives. My heart is so sad, but i am praying that God will comfort you all.
Keara says
May 7, 2020 at 12:00 amTo my godmother & my loving aunt frannie. Words can’t express the pain I been feeling. As many know me and you shared the same birthday . Every year growing up I would get a gift and a card with money pertaining to how old I was turning that year, sealed with your love . & still I would get a phone call or vice versa to wish each other a happy birthday. Every year you would tell me ,”I’m going to Atlantic City and I’m going to enjoy my time with uncle William and that’s that, okay!” Haha I loved every bit of your personality, It was sassy but classy . I always admired you and uncle William forever lasting marriage. You showed us all love is still here on this earth and it was possible. Our birthday will never be the same , I will never forget your touch in every dish you made, from sweet potato pie , to the best breakfast I could ever ask for. You did anything to make a individual feel loved and cared for. I will never forget you doing my hair, and all I could smell was pink lotion. But when I tell you my pony tails was laid. No one did it better . Or the coffee you used to let us drink , or the little hugs to go with our lunch. I was so blessed for the memories we created . You will always be a queen to me now and forever. I love you so much. & I know that you will continue to watch me from above . No one will ever compare to you . Rest in heaven beautiful
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