November 9th 1928 - September 10th 2024
by Glenn Sherrod Arnold
Lilla Mae Strong Arnold was born November 9, 1928, on a beautiful autumn
day in Newnan, Georgia, where she attended public school. She gave her
life to Christ early and attended Mount Vernon Baptist Church.
Her
parents passed early, and she was primarily cared for by her maternal
grandmother. By the grace of God, Mamie Parks, one of her elementary
school teachers, raised Emma Elder, a classmate, and her in her home as
“sisters” until she left to attend Spelman College.
After Lilla
graduated from Spelman College in 1954 with a BS in Early Elementary
Education, she began teaching elementary school in Newnan, Georgia. Soon
afterwards, she met the love of her life, Glenn Artis Arnold, and they
were married in 1958. A son and daughter blessed this union - Glenn
Sherrod Arnold and Neeka Boncha Arnold.
When their children were
less than five years old, the family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where
Glenn and Lilla both taught in the Atlanta Public School System. Lilla
spent most of her career at the Dunbar Elementary School, teaching
preschool through second grade. During her tenure, she developed and
managed two preschool programs that served hundreds of students and
involved dozens of teachers. Her students and faculty were so
disciplined and effective that the school received national recognition,
leading to a visit from First Lady Barbara Bush. Villa led a life of
meaningful impact.
There are many students that recount their love
of education because of Lilla. She also mentored along the way. Later in
her career, Lilla earned her MS in Education at Georgia State
University as a result of her love for learning and pedagogy.
Only
her love for her grandchildren exceeded her love for education and the
development of her students. She and Glenn lovingly hosted their
grandchildren over many summers. Those summers were filled with much
love, joy, and learning. Lilla regularly held summer school sessions
with her grandchildren, helping to propel them to successful academic
careers.
Lilla was an active member of her church fellowship and the
Spelman College Alumni Association. She was quite proud of her support
of the next generation of women scholars and leaders through her many
donations to Spelman.
Lilla was devout woman who loved the Lord and
his Word. She posted her favorite scriptures all around her home and
could be found often in prayer on her knees at night. Although she was a
person of small physical stature and woman of few words, when she
spoke, she spoke with clarity and conviction. A confidently authentic
woman, she walked in integrity. She felt that her word was her bond and,
she always stood behind it. As a result, she lifted many of us who knew
her to greater heights and achievements. Her love and compassion were
communicated through service and actions. She often quietly helped those
around her in need.
Lilla leaves to cherish her memories: her son
Glenn Arnold (wife: Jacquie), her daughter Neeka Arnold (fiancé: Julius
Alexander), her grandchildren: Paul (wife: Samantha), Angela, Bryan, and
Traci Arnold and great grandchildren: Evangeline Arnold and Azariah
Arnold. Tohnita Florence, former student/”adopted” daughter. Laura
Evans, friend and neighbor for 60 years and Maceso Evans, god son.
Faithful caregiver Gail Sims. A host of nieces, nephews, extended
family, and friends also cherish her memory.
Viewing: Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc.
3000 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, Ga 30310
Day: Thursday, September 19th 2024
Time: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Funeral Service: Word of Faith Cathedral
212 Riverside Pkwy, Austell, GA 30168
Day: Friday, September 20th 2024
11:00 am
Interment, Greenwood Cemetery
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