Mildred Jo Ann Arnold

June 1942 - April 2024

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (2 Cor. 5:8)

Jo Ann Arnold entered her eternal rest with our Heavenly Father God, at the blessed age of 81. Born on June 25, 1942, to John Henry Morris Sr. and Willie Etta Morris in Columbia, SC, a student of Brookland Cayce Schools, and a proud BC Bearcat.

She was a simple but stern, tough as nails, God fearing woman, who was known for “cutting up,” and making people laugh, sometimes on purpose, and sometimes even when she was not intent on a laugh. Jo Ann also had a knack for numbers and remembered everyone’s date of birth, date of death and everything in between. Prior to her recent health struggles, she had a nearly impeccable memory. In her younger years, she worked at the mill, and later after motherhood, served in the church as a Sunday School teacher and Church Bus Driver. She took great pride in being a mother, homemaker, and grandmother. Once upon a time, Jo Ann also worked with Benny Surratt at their Yamaha Dealership on Meeting Street in West Columbia, SC. She was proud to proclaim that she was one of the first women to ride her own motorcycle and was once featured in an article in the State Newspaper to talk about it.

She loved God, her family, Southern Gospel music, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, Church TV and good food. She had a heart for children and education. Alongside her devotion to her children and grandchildren, over the years she assisted with many of her nieces and nephews, in caring, churching and learning.

She leaves behind her children, Tammy Darlene Arnold, Sammy Virgil Arnold III, and Betty Jo Arnold; special grandson/son, Joshua Shawn Arnold; grandchildren, Taylor Victoria Arnold and Gavin Lee Arnold Cook; brother, William Morris Sr.; sister, Lucy Rawls; along with many

adored nieces and nephews.

Jo Ann was predeceased by her husband of thirty-two years, and loving father to their children, Sammy Virgil Arnold Jr.; father, John Henry Morris Sr.; mother, Willie Etta Morris; sister and brother, Betty Brown and John Henry Morris Jr. (Butch); special niece-sisters, Robbie Ann Poston and Cindy Williams; as well as special uncles, Tom Morris, and Harold Wright (Hunky).

The family of Mrs. Arnold would like to extend a special thank you for the service of pallbearers, Jo Ann’s nephews, William Morris Jr. (Rusty), Tracy Cooper, Justin Cooper, Jacob Cooper, Shane Cooper, Seth Cooper, as well as honorary pallbearers, Chad Bryant and Lynn Williams.

Also, in order, gratitude for the kindness and care shown to her and the family by Barr-Price Funeral Home who will be handling all her services and interment. A memorial service is set for Monday, April 22, 2024, 2:00 pm, at the Barr-Price Funeral Home Chapel in Lexington, SC, with a visitation one hour prior, at 1:00 pm, with burial to follow at Southland Memorial Gardens.

We will understand it all better, by and by. Thank God for the grace and mercy that drew her to the Cross of Calvary, we cling to that same grace and mercy now.

This world is not our permanent home. God knows that we will never be perfect here, but we are made perfect when we pass “over yonder.” We will see her again, with new bodies and enlightened minds surrounded by all our loved ones. In Magnificent Glory, in our Father’s house, where He has prepared a place for us.           

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