Rev. Evelyn Arnett

Evelyn Barrett was born on March 4, 1932, in Goochland County, VA. She was the daughter of the late Clyde Barrett and Henrietta Cox. She was one of ten children.
Evelyn accepted Christ at an early age under the spiritual guidance of her grandmother.
She met George Arnett, and the two joined in holy matrimony in June 1950. They were married for 47 years before his passing in 1998. To this union six children were born, and the love continued to mature through 14 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.
When Evelyn's daughter started kindergarten, Evelyn took a position as an instructional assistant in the Paterson Public School system. She worked at schools #4 and #8 for many years before retiring after 37 years. Ms. Arnett was a blessing to every teacher and student she encountered over the years.
As a young child, Evelyn would imitate the teachers and preachers that she heard in church, Sunday School, and prayer services, telling of the Good News of Jesus Christ to anyone in her presence. Years later it became more and more clear to her that she should look deeper into the word because God had a plan and had placed a call on her life. She accepted her call to preach and was licensed by Rev. Dr. Alexander McDonald III. Evelyn was then ordained into the Gospel ministry at Bright Hope Baptist Church in Louis, Virginia in 2013.
The legacy of faith and trust in God spanned over more than 70 years. Evelyn and her late husband led by example, with their dedication to the work of the Lord in the church and their devotion to studying the word of God at home.
Rev. Evelyn Arnett peacefully transitioned to the loving arms of the Savior on Monday August 11, 2025.
She leaves to carry on her legacy of love, her children; Linda Arnett Tinsley (Carroll Sr.) Shirley Arnett- Moses (Leon Tiombe), George Arnett Jr., (Mirtha), Janet Sims (Andrew), Mary McNeill (Joseph), and Doris Arnett- Gary, sister; Frances Mitchell, Fourteen grandchildren; Matthew Arnett (LaShone), Gerard Arnett (Brenda), Leonard Miller (Yessenia), Lamar Miller (Schenqua), Jahi Arnett, Lauren McNeill, Ashanna Sims, Nicole Murry, Andrew Sims Ill, Carroll Tinsley Jr., Joshua Gary (Najha), Amber Sims, Jessica McNeill, and Jasmine Gary, Thirty great grandchildren; Isaiah (Miriam), Malachi (Jazzlen), Titus Arnett, Keyanna & Everett Arnett, Elle Tinsley, Sade, Aaron, Salim Yeslen Miller, Shaquon, Aziah (Pearl) So Autumn Miller, Tatyana Owensby, Makayla Arnett, Akira Sims, Amari Redmond, Janessa, and Ja'Zelle Sims, Amir and Zion Richardson, Desiree, Derrick Jr., Dallas Murray, Sanyai Denson, Naiyae, Jazai, Jeremiah, Jabriel, and Keyshawn Gary, four great-great grandchildren; Aaliyah Arnett, Ayla Miller, Arya Johnson, and Melody Arnett.
She will also be missed and cherished by a host of nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, former classmates, students, and special friends; Minister Ann Addison, Deaconess Mary Monroe, and her caregiver, Arlene Burgess. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Rev. Evelyn, please visit our Tree Store.