Mother Anna Viola Arnold

Mother Anna Viola Woodson Arnold was born on Saturday, February 13, 1932, in Dixie, Georgia, to Garfield and Josephine Bea Woodson. She grew up in Mims, Florida, before moving to Greenville.

Mother 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.

Mother Arnold's 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 Thomas 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, Mother Arnold worked as a housekeeper for the Morris family in Perry, Florida. 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, Mother Arnold gently slept away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Deacon Issac 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.

Mother Arnold was preceded in death by her six sisters, eight brothers, two daughters, and one son.

Viewing/Visitation will be @ 5-7pm, FRIDAY, July 5, 2024
@Lily of the Valley Church of God In Unity (145 NW Reedbuck Loop; Greenville, FL 32331)

Homegoing Celebration Service will be at 11AM, SATURDAY, July 6, 2024
@Holy Tabernacle Church of God In Unity (709 East Boundary Street; Quitman, GA 31643)

At The Request of the FAMILY there will be
****ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEOS WILL BE ALLOWED****

Resolutions and other correspondence may be sent to: contactus@gracefcs.com .
All attendees are encouraged to follow COVID -19 social distancing guidelines.