Nancy Brown Arnold

On Sunday, November 28, 2021, we gratefully embrace the overdue opportunity to celebrate the full and selfless 79 years of life of our family’s matriarch, Nancy Terry Brown Arnold, (affectionately known as “Mom” or “Granny” to her family), who peacefully passed away after battling a long illness, under the loving care of Hospice on April 30, 2020. With lockdowns and gathering limits lifted, we invite you to join us as we honor her life and legacy with friends and family.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 28 at 2:00 PM at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta, GA, followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM, with Rev. Roger Vest officiating.

Inurnment will be held at 3:00 PM, Monday, November 29, 2021 at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

Born in a little steel mill town, Fairfield, Alabama on November 29, 1940, Nancy Terry, the daughter of the late Norval and Mary Elizabeth Brown, lived with her parents, little sister, and maternal grandfather from birth until she graduated from Fairfield High School. With extended family close by, she spent her childhood days with her cousins (also her best friends) and neighborhood kids climbing their chinaberry tree, playing marbles, riding bikes, playing tennis and even baseball. Her summers at her Great Aunt’s 100 Acre Farm and its wide-open spaces just a 45-minute bus ride from home, held some of her fondest memories.

Growing up in Fairfield, Nancy Terry’s faith and strong belief in God were formed. She was a member of Fairfield Methodist throughout her childhood and teen years, and professed to have never known a time that she didn’t know the Lord.

Her senior year of High School, she met a “fun” guy with “happy feet” named Bill Arnold. Shortly thereafter, she attended his Spring Formal at Auburn University and he escorted her to her Prom. They enjoyed 54 years of adventures, for better or worse, and were still jitterbugging to “Caldonia” in their last years together.

Gracefully balancing a successful 50-year career in banking, raising 4 God fearing sons, and standing by her best friend and husband, while he served our country in the USMC and later as he built his Veterinary business, Nancy somehow found time to pour her heart and God given talents back into her family and community. Just as Sundays were for Church and family dinners growing up, she faithfully continued that tradition in her marriage and with her own sons, and later, their families and shared with whoever else walked through their door. All knew she and Doc Arnold would welcome them to a seat at their table anytime. Nancy loved her family, traveling the world (with Israel as a top memory for her) white water boating, and collections of all kinds – antique glass bottles, seashells, river rocks, stamps and wine corks to name a few.

Service above self in her downtime was not a sacrifice or duty in her eyes, but truly stemmed from an innate desire to help others. From volunteering as a Candy Striper at the local hospital as a teen to 40 years later being recognized as South Cobb Citizen of the Year, it is no secret that Nancy was a joyful giver of her time and resources. She was elected to Powder Springs City Council where she served for 8 years and also served as President and Treasurer of the Powder Springs Downtown Development Authority. Former colleagues recall her as the “quintessential volunteer” due to her past posts on numerous boards and committees with organizations such as Cobb WellStar Hospital, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, South Cobb Rotary Club (Lifetime Member) and Powder Springs First United Methodist Church, where she faithfully worshipped and served as long as able.

While to the public face, Nancy was the recipient of many honors it was what she did in private that only those closest to her witnessed that speak to her true character. The times she took a moment to encourage someone, often in handwritten notes or time to attend to her prayer list or a quiet help to someone in need, her compassion for others - this is her legacy. She instilled in her own children to “make time to teach your children to know the honor and joy that comes with serving.” And now her legacy has and will continue to multiply as the generations of family that follow her serve in their own communities across the nation.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Bill “Doc” Arnold in 2013 which was very difficult, but we all take comfort knowing that they are dancing together again on the streets of heaven.

Nancy Arnold’s legacy will continue through her survivors: her 4 sons: William David Arnold Jr. of Franklin, TN and his wife, Sharliss, Mark-Eric Cumberland Arnold of Marietta, GA, Henry (Hank) Louis Arnold of Canton, GA and his wife Shannon, and Constantine (Conny) Christopher Arnold of Kennesaw, GA and his wife, Heather; Sister, Betsy Lynn (Wayne) of Michigan; 7 Grandsons: Will, Eric, Stephen, Christopher, CJ and Adam Arnold and Brice Bostick; 7 Granddaughters: Katherine, Terry, Zoe, Nani Grace, Sarah, and Emmi Kate Arnold and Anna Bostick; and 14 great grandchildren.

Contributions can be made to the Sweetwater Valley Camp Food Pantry P.O. Box 802
Austell, GA 30168 or Powder Springs First United Methodist Church 4329 Marietta Street, Powder Springs, GA 30127 in honor of Nancy Arnold.

Online guest book at www.westcobbfuneralhome.com .