Pearl (Phillips) Arnold, age 96, of Marion, IL passed away at 1:05 a.m., Sunday, December 6, 2009, at home surrounded by her family in Marion.
She was born on June 22, 1913, in Williamson County, IL, the Crab Orchard Lake area, to Willis and Betsy Jane (Huffstutler) Phillips.
Pearl married Cecil Arnold on July 5, 1933, in Williamson County and together enjoyed sixty-two years of marriage until her husband’s death on August 23, 1995.
Pearl graduated from Marion High School in 1931. She attended Brown’s Business College, VTI Business Course and SIU Data Processing classes. She was employed by Sangamo Electric, Williamson County Baptist Association, Bearden Construction, Phillips & Arnold, Inc. and Arnold’s Division 9, Inc. until her retirement in 1992, at the age of 79.
She was a member of the Second Baptist Church of Marion where she was a choir member, Sunday school teacher and girls G.A. group teacher.
Pearl was the last surviving child of her parents. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; her two brothers, William L. Phillips and Paul J. Phillips; and her two sisters, Muriel Benton and Nelle Johnson.
She is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Charles S. and Audrey J. Arnold and Robert D. and Oleta Arnold all of Marion, IL; nine grandchildren, Samara Lindsey and husband, Brad of Winston Salem, NC, Dale A. Arnold and wife, Debbie of Marion, Ed Arnold and wife, Sandy of Marion, Joy Starrick and husband, Dan of Mesa, AZ, Bill Arnold and wife, Andrea of Marion, Lisa Feinerman and husband, Dr. Adrian of Ava, IL, Dr. Robert Arnold of Marion, Michael Arnold and wife, Becki of Marion, Jamie Erikson and husband, Royce of Evansville, IN; twenty-two great grandchildren; nineteen great great-grandchildren and two nieces, Sharon Dickey and husband, Jere of Colona, IL and Paula Hendrickson and husband, Tom of Marion.
Pearl touched the lives of so many people throughout the years and was always ready to lend a helping hand. She was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother never missing a birthday, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Anniversary or Christmas. Her dumplings at Thanksgiving and Christmas will be forever missed.
She loved her family and many friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
We would like to say a special thanks to the staff of Shawnee Christian Nursing Home, Hospice of Southern Illinois and the special caregivers that stayed with her.
Arrangements for Pearl (Phillips) Arnold were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL.
A time of visitation for family and friends was from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9th, at the funeral home.
During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Pearl’s life was presented to the family and friends.
The funeral service was at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 9th, 2009, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Rev. Frankie Starrick presiding.
A special poem “To My Mother” written by Pearl’s son, Charles was read by Rachel Arnold.
The prelude and postlude musical selections were recorded selections.
Special recorded vocal musical selections presented during the service were “Heaven Is a Family Reunion” by Betty Jean Robinson, “Home Is Where I Belong” by Oleta Arnold and “I Sure Miss You” by Jason Crabb.
Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion, IL.
Pallbearers were Dale Arnold, Dr. Bob Arnold, Ed Arnold, Michael Arnold, Bill Arnold and Royce Erikson.
For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.
