Frances M. Arnold

Sister Frances Marie Warren Arnold was born on September 28, 1937, to the late Charlie Warren, Sr. and the late Mattie Lee Trice Warren. She was delivered by Dr. Rufus B. Wilson. Frances was named after his first wife, Toylee Frances Hicks. As her “namesake”, Mrs. Wilson favored Frances by providing free piano lessons in which she treasured for life. Frances entered eternal rest peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Sister Frances was the Matriarch of her family. Preceding her in death: Sharon Reid (daughter), Dwight Arnold (son), Janice Kay (daughter), Sparkle Reid Rai (granddaughter) and Brian Harris (great grandson). Sisters: Ruby & Lawrence Dawson (brother-in-law), Rosie Casey, Irene & James Hardin (brother-in-law), Mildred Gross, Juanita & Russell Jones. Brothers: Charles & Maude (sister-in-law) & Robert Cecil Warren.

Frances’ faith in the Lord was rooted in a strong Christian heritage. She professed her love for Christ at an early age. She was an active member of Second Avenue Church of Christ, in Lewisburg, Tennessee and Newburg Church of Christ in Louisville, Kentucky. Upon relocating to Tennessee, she became a faithful servant at Highway 231 South, Murfreesboro, TN. With her love for music, she sang in the church chorus until her health enabled her to do so.

At the young age of fifteen, she married Haile Selassie Arnold on April 3, 1953. To their union, they were blessed with six children. Sharon Laverne, Dwight Anthony, Janice Kay, Darlene Marie, Demetra and Mattie Ctoria. Frances attended Bedford County Training School and obtained her GED in 1980 while residing in Louisville, Kentucky. Later in her career, she worked as a seamstress at Louisville Bedding before retiring.

Sister Frances was a “Woman of God”. She was sweet, caring, kind, loving, supportive, devoted and most forgiving mother/grandmother / great grandmother affectionally known as G.G. If there was a little one within sight, they would gravitate towards her. Always willing to lend a helping hand with a loving soul. Sister Frances could be seen at every sporting event, recital, concert and graduation, celebrating and supporting her babies regardless of location. She treasured family gatherings, especially during the holidays.

Sister Frances leaves to cherish her memories with her daughters: Darlene (Chris) Harris, Murfreesboro, TN; Demetra (Mantle) Pulley, Smyrna, TN and Mattie Ctoria Arnold (Ray Duke - devoted friend) of Murfreesboro, TN. Grandchildren: Corey Garrett of Shelbyville TN, LaKisha (Gibson) Sims of Ooltewah, TN, Brooke Pulley, CA, Chris (Sadie) Harris of Bellevue, TN, Frank Markell (Jaleesa) Buckingham of Smyrna TN, Danielle Harris, Murfreesboro, TN, Brandon Pulley, FL, and Blake Pulley , Murfreesboro, TN. Great grandchildren, Analla Reid of Atlanta, GA, Gibson (Que) IV, Landon, Sadaya, Zoe’ and Jai Sims of Ooltewah, TN, Gracie & Hazel Harris of Bellevue, TN, Rylee & Mya Buckingham of Smyrna, TN and Coreyon Garrett & Corontaz Morris, Tullahoma, TN, and Anthony Tarvin III, FL. Extended family Debra & Greg Lyles. Devoted nephews, Timothy L. Gross and James Harden. Almeda Warren (sister-in-law) and Mary Ford (devoted friend) and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.