Mary was born June 21, 1931 in Lawrenceville, Georgia.  She was 88 years young and was very active until a couple months ago.  She left with the angels while surrounded by her son and others that loved her.  Mary was proceeded in death by her parents Frank & Magnolia Blair, her sister Virginia Chambers and her husband, the love of her life Herbert Arnold.

Mary is survived by her son Michael David Arnold whom she resided with in Blairsville Georgia.  Mary is also survived by nephews, nieces, a host of family, friends, neighbors & church families all of whom she loved dearly.

Mary had a passion for helping other since she was a little girl.  Mary was a “Daddy’s Girl” learning at an early age how too politic, teach people how to vote and make friends.

Mary’s first job was doing time studies at Empire Corporation in Atlanta.  Shortly after she went to work at Gwinnett County Extension Service.  This is when she found her gift of helping others.  She would go into homes teaching love income families about nutrition, how to cook, clean, read, grow a garden and survive during difficult times.  Mary didn’t stop there; she then went to work as Director of Gwinnett County Senior Citizens & Hi-Hope Training Center as Director of Transportation of Special Needs Students.

Upon retirement she and Herbert moved to Blairsville and built a log cabin on the lake.  But Mary didn’t know how to retire.  Mary was a volunteer of Special Needs programs, Clothing missions, Union County Lions Club, American legion Women’s Auxiliary, TVA Lake Association for Lake Nottely Improvements and Union County Relay for Life, only to name a few.  She would provide respite care and work one to one with Special Needs.  Mary always received the highest honors as she excelled in all the organizations, she was a part of.

Mary loved her church families.  She and Herbert helped to start Central Baptist Church in 1958 along with 36 others and they continue to grow and prosper today in Lawrenceville.  Mary still supports Eastside Baptist Church in Lawrenceville where she has many friends attend.  Mary is a member of House of Prayer in Blairsville where she stated and taught a Special Needs Sunday School Class for over 10 years.  Mary, Herbert & Mike would host a lot of outings at their home and treat everyone on a ride in their pontoon boat down the lake.  Mary never really quit teaching as every Sunday, she would still have one of “her children” sit with her during the services.

Mary will be missed by all that knew her.  She was always sending cards to everyone.  She would get so excited when the mail came as she knew one of her “Special Children” would send her cards and letters.  Friends that moved away still exchanged letters with Mary.  At Christmas, she would cover the walls of her house with the many cards, letters & pictures she would get.  Mary’s wish is that it doesn’t stop with her.  She desired that we love each other, help each other and be a blessing to those around us.  Make a friend and be a friend.

Presiding at the Blairsville service will be Rev. Jerry Helton along with Bill Honaker & Lisa Little speaking.  The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers Mark Arnold, Wayne Tullis, Donice Tullis, & Ricky Abercrombie.  Honorary Escorts will be Union County Lions Club & American Legion Honor Guard.  Presiding at the Lawrenceville graveside service will be Rev. Bill Dobbs.

Viewing will be Tuesday October 8^th from 2:00pm till 8:00pm at Mountain View Funeral Home 119 Murphy Highway Blairsville, GA.  Services will be from the chapel on Wednesday October 9^th at 11:00am.  After conclusion we will convene at 3:00pm for a graveside service at East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens 87 Scenic Highway Lawrenceville, GA where she will be laid to rest next to her husband Herbert.

In lieu of flowers, we would like to ask that you make a monetary donation to East Side Baptist Church 209 N. Chestnut Street Lawrenceville, GA  30046 in memory of Mary Arnold

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Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com