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 (fiancĂ©: 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
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 (fiancĂ©: 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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