Lisa Marie Arnold

Lisa Marie Arnold (née Newbern), age 56 of Virginia, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025, at her home. She was born May 28, 1969, in Jacksonville. She graduated from Beardstown High School in 1987 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from Culver Stockton College in 1991. It was during her time in college that she found her calling to teach, following the footsteps of her beloved first grade teacher, Miss Debbie Shoemaker.
Lisa taught for over three decades, touching lives across central Illinois. Her career started at A-C Central Schools until continuing at Trinity Lutheran School in Arenzville and finally retiring from Beardstown GARD Elementary School. Over her 32-year career, Lisa was more than a teacher, she was a mentor, a guide, and source of support for the children she taught.
Lisa is survived by her husband, Chester "Chuck" Arnold. Together they shared a life full of joy, laughter, and dancing. She is also survived by four bonus children, Katie Elledge (Andrew Tardiff), Joshua Arnold (Brandy Bertram), Matthew Arnold (Holly), and Adam Arnold -all of Jacksonville, Illinois; nine grandchildren: Gannon, Skyah, Paislee, Drue, Parklynn, Riley, Arlo, Benji, and Esther; sisters, Paula Wilson of Ballwin, Missouri; Cynthia Bean of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Theresa Heinemann (Chuck) of Springfield, Illinois; Kimberly Bartels of Chandlerville, Illinois; and cousin Jonna Quigg of Melbourne, Florida.
She was preceded in death by her dear aunt Georgia Ann "Annie" Quigg.
Outside of teaching and her family, Lisa had a love for art.
A funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Burial will be held later at Walnut Rudge Cemetery in Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.