Janet Sue Arnold

It is with profound grief but also the certainty of resurrection that the loved ones of Janet Arnold announce that she has gone to the arms of her Savior.

Jan was born in Detroit to Wallace and Thelma Bartlett on January 12, 1953, and lived on the road to Belle Isle where her dad stoked her love for learning by reading to her from encyclopedias. She would continue her lifelong pursuit of knowledge, graduating fourth in her class of 500 from Roseville High School before graduating with an associate’s degree from John Wesley College and then a B.A. from Spring Arbor University. Jan continually learned and prepared, adding to her faith, never barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and always giving of herself through her time, her talents, her teaching, and her tender nurturing.

From a very young age, Jan committed her life to Christ and gave herself to ministry and the service of her Savior. She has lived a life of purpose and meaning, quietly edifying and encouraging countless people as a teacher, a mother, a wife, and a friend. She taught kindergarten at Antioch Baptist Academy and taught various subjects for elementary classes at Baptist Academy and Gilead Baptist Academy. At Antioch, she directed plays and taught elementary choir and music. She also taught yearbook and was the school photographer. Additionally, she homeschooled her children and grandchildren, instilling in them her passion for ministry and love of Jesus.

Jan was a joyful and quiet example of thankless service, teaching and singing and playing and organizing in a way that greatly enhanced the ministry of the churches she called home throughout the years. She ministered to the ladies, running the Heart to Heart women’s church group, and she faithfully taught Sunday school for many years. Although she was never one to seek the spotlight, Jan had a beautiful voice and used it for the glory of God, singing in choir and in special numbers. Those who had the privilege of serving with her in the recent past treasure the precious times she worshipped together with her children and grandchildren, harmonizing beautifully and blessing the church with their gifts in special numbers during family visits to the area. Additionally, Jan infused an obvious joy into her flute playing, showing forth the praise of her Creator consistently, lovingly, and unceremoniously.

Jan was married to Dave for 52 years, lovingly and patiently supporting his ministry through trials, heartache, and loss, including the death of their son-in-law Aaron Lawson, a man who loved God and faithfully served Him. She was a woman of many interests and gifts. She loved to travel, loved Disney, loved music, and never lost her lifelong love for learning. She wasn’t content to just gather knowledge, but gladly gave of herself, teaching and mentoring and building up God’s church, sometimes one child at a time, but always faithfully.

She loved music and could be found listening to classical or Christian music all day long. Some of her fondest memories and those her family will cherish the most are traveling the world together.

Her faithful husband of fifty-two years, David Arnold, grieves her loss, but not as others who have no hope; he longs for the day that they will be reunited in the presence of their Savior.

Jan is survived as well by her children: Matthew Arnold, Jonathan Arnold (Alicia), Emily Bosma (Greg), Andrew Arnold (Holly), Sarah Richardson (Garry). She was a proud grandmother to Bethanne Minahan (Patrick), Andrew Crocker, Makayla Arnold, Madi Bosma, Riley Arnold, Hannah Richardson, Abel Arnold, Lauren Richardson, Cora Arnold, and Ella Arnold. She leaves behind two brothers: Garry Bartlett (Diane) and Gordan Bartlett (Deborah).

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Thelma Bartlett, and her son-in-law Aaron Lawson.

There will be a memorial service date on Saturday, April 4 at 2:00pm