of Little Rock, AR
April 4, 1942 - August 29, 2014
Mary Frances ''Fran'' Arnold, 72, of Little Rock passed into the arms of Jesus August 29, 2014. She was born to the late Johnnie and Helen Cottingham Harrison in Prescott.
Fran retired as associate director for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service's Southwest District in 1997 after almost 35 years working for county offices in Texas and Arkansas and the Arkansas state offices. For 23 of those years, she served as Extension Home Economist. She poured her life into helping people 4-H Clubs, Extension Homemaker clubs, and a community center in Lake Village. She was the 1986 Arkansas recipient of the Continued Excellence Award for Home Economists.
After retirement, she served as a leader of the Asbury United Methodist Women's Ruth Circle and the ''Keenagers'' group. She also enjoyed attending Bible study.
She is survived by her husband of over 40 years, Richard; two sons, Jon Richard Arnold (Elizabeth) of Tupelo, MS and James Anthony Arnold (Maeghan) of Little Rock; two granddaughters, Mary Elizabeth and Meredith Eden; brother, John Harrison (Janice) of Prescott; and many other family members and long-time friends who loved her dearly.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1700 Napa Valley Dr., Little Rock, AR 72212
(501) 225-9231. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211 (501)224-8300.
If you would like to make a donation in Fran's memory, please consider Asbury United Methodist Church or Alzheimer's Association of Arkansas,
204 Executive Court, Suite 301, Little Rock, AR 72205 in lieu of flowers.
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20 Condolence(s)
Len & Margaret Ann Niven
Monday, September 8, 2014
Dear Richard & Family,
Fran was a wonderful person and we are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed our visits at Mike's Cafe and will never forget how wonderful you all were to Helen and Charles Gibson.
Our love to you -
Len and Margaret Ann
September 8, 2014
Reba Hawkins
Friday, September 5, 2014
I am so sad to hear of Fran's passing away. I worked as her secretary in Little Rock for several years. She was such a sweet and gracious lady. Family & friends - I'm so sorry for your loss.
Reba
Ann Behnke
Thursday, September 4, 2014
I first met Fran in January 1971, when I went to work for Extension. I was sent to Lake Village for a few months while Fran was on maternity leave. I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to meet she and you Dick, and your first baby boy. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time. May God bless you.
Jo N. Howard
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Dear Dick and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of
Mary Frances. All my memories of her are such positive ones. She was truly an inspiration---to me and so many others. Her enthusiasm and passion for excellence were contagious. Working with her was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Please know that I love you and am thinking about you at this difficult time.
Don Plunkett
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Dick
I am so sorry for your loss. You and Fran are special folks and I have fond memories of each of you. She was such a special lady and she will be missed greatly, especially by you.
I pray God's richest blessings on your in this time of mourning.
If I can be of help let me know.
Claude Bonner
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Dick,
So sorry to hear of your loss. As others have indicated Fran was a special person, a great lady and a good co-worker. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Claude
Brenda Henderson Pratt
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Dear Dick, Jon Richard and Anthony,
I am so sorry to hear of you loss. Fran was a special friend to me--when I worked in Mount Ida and she in Lake Village and then when we worked together at the State Extension Office. She was fun to be with, and always performed every task with such professionalism. I know she was so proud of both her boys!! You have a lot of good memories to tell to her granddaughters in the years to come.
Love, Brenda Henderson ( and now Pratt)
Anne Cingolani
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Dear Mr. Dick,
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Fran. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Anne Cingolani
Alvin and Diane Ford
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Dick, Jon Richard & Anthony
Sorry to hear about Fran. Just want you'll to know that we are thinking of you at this time. We will always treasure the many fond memories of the times we shared together. Fran was always the perfect hostess.
Sincerely
Alvin and Diane Ford
Jason Bond
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Arnold Family:
My sincerest condolences in the loss of Mrs. Fran. She was a fine lady. I know she loved and was loved dearly by her family.
Michael Shane Atkins (Dawn Frisby/Atkins) and Miranda Atkins/Smith
Monday, September 1, 2014
Dear Dick, Jon Richard, Anthony and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Mrs. Fran's passing. She was a very hard worker and dedicated to the Extension and 4-H, the community and her family. Mrs. Fran was a goal setter and helped so many children attend trips, workshops, and camps by working with all levels of the county to establish fundraiser and scholarships. It is impossible to list all the things Mrs. Fran did for everyone. Dick, Jon Richard, and Anthony, you were also right there to lend a helping hand. You were and are a family on a mission for the better of all. We know you will miss her, but we feel she is in a better place and God has a crown for her like no other. Love, Shane and Dawn Atkins and Miranda Smith
Janie Atkins Garner
Monday, September 1, 2014
Dear Dick, Jon Richard, and Anthony, My deepest and most sincere condolences to you all. Fran was an amazing woman as you all know. It has been a privilege and honor to have known her. She was much more than just a boss to me. She was a dear friend and my Cooperative Extension mother. She took me under her wing and raised me in the Cooperative Extension family. I will forever be grateful for the positive impact Fran had on my life. She was always there for me throughout many good and bad times and a bigger blessing than words can express. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Love you all, Janie Atkins Garner
Charles&Wanda Adams
Monday, September 1, 2014
Richard, we are so sorry to hear about Fran. We will be praying for you, the sons, and their families.May God bless all of you comfort you all at this time. We will be thinking of you all on tomorrow.
Janie Atkins-Garner
Monday, September 1, 2014
Sadie Minor
Monday, September 1, 2014
May God's presence surround you and family during this most difficult time. You are in my prayers, and if I can be of service, please don't hesitate to call. I found much joy in caring for Mrs. Arnold. I will miss her. God Bless each of you, Mr. Arnold.
Dorothy Rodgers
Monday, September 1, 2014
Dick, So sorry for your loss. I did not realize Fran was ill. You and the boys will be in our prayers.
Darlene Z Baker Millard
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Richard, Jon and Anthony
My most sincere sympathy on your loss. Fran was always
such a lady and an inspiration. Fran was the Count Agent chaperone when I attended CWF as a 4-H member. Of course she was a very young agent and I was an old 4- Her. It was an honor to work with her for 20 years. Her professionalism was second only to her pride and love for her family. I remember sharing meals with you in Lake Village and her beautiful smile. My heart goes out to you. May you find comfort in knowing Miss Fran was loved and made a difference.
linda rowe funderburg
Sunday, August 31, 2014
my condolence to the arnold family may God bless you'll
Betty Keller
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Richard, Jon Richard, & Anthony...
My most sincere condolences to each of you and to all of your family in the loss of Fran! She was such a caring, giving person! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Betty Keller
Kimberley Smith Meek
Saturday, August 30, 2014
I have heard so many wonderful stories about Mary Frances through the years from my "new" mom, Lera (Haney) Carroll Smith. She loved Mary Frances, and I know many others did too.
I am so sorry for your loss.