Mother Anna Viola Woodson Arnold was born on Saturday, Feb. 13, 1932, in Dixie, Ga., to Garfield and Josephine Bea Woodson. She grew up in Mims, Fla., before moving to Greenville.
Arnold attended Greenville Training School, where she excelled in basketball and sang in the school choir. In tenth grade, she had to leave school to work and help her family.
She received the Holy Ghost at Lily of the Valley Church of God In Unity, where she faithfully served until the Lord called her to rest from her earthly labors. She is recorded as being the oldest and longest-serving church mother at Lily of the Valley, having served several pastors, including Bishop Louis Burch, Elder James Gloster and Elder Mobley White. Her roles included secretary, Sunday school teacher, transporter, musician, communion dresser and home mission and nursing home ministries leader. Her strict guidance on living a holy and disciplined life prepared a great number of young people to do the same.
Beyond her spiritual duties, Arnold worked as a housekeeper for the Morris family, in Perry, Fla. She loved fishing, and was known for making medicines for her family and others. She was a member of Order Of The Eastern Star Lodge #3. In her later years, she volunteered as a Head Start Granny for Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend.
Answering the Master’s call, Arnold gently slept away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Deacon Isaac Arnold; daughters, Pastor Gloria (William) Mobley White and Cindy Brooks; sons: Ernest (Hattie) Brooks, Sr., Larry Arnold, Ivory Arnold, Chuck (Brittney) Arnold, Tommy (Berlinda) Arnold and Otis Brooks; 41 grandchildren; 82 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; bonus children, Elder Mary (Tony) Pryor and Ronnie (Lisa) Aikens; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and spiritual children.
Arnold was preceded in death by her six sisters, eight brothers, two daughters and one son.
A viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, July 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Lily of the Valley Church of God In Unity, located at 145 NW Reedbuck Loop, in Greenville, Fla. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, at Holy Tabernacle Church of God In Unity, located at 709 E Boundary St., in Quitman, Ga., with interment at New Zion Cemetery, in Greenville. Professional services are entrusted to GRACE Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. (850-926-4407). All attendees are encouraged to follow COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Resolutions and other correspondence may be sent to contactus@gracefcs.com.