Marilyn Joyce Arnum

With hearts both heavy and filled with gratitude for a well-lived life, we announce the peaceful transition of our beloved mother, Marilyn J. Arnum, who transitioned to be with the Lord on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by the love of her family and dear friends. Marilyn was born on February 10, 1943, in Hartford, CT, the daughter of the late Jewett and Louise (Jones) Newkirk. From her early days as a proud graduate of Hartford Public High School, Class of 1960, it was clear that Marilyn possessed a spirit of dedication and service that would define her journey. A woman of unwavering faith, Marilyn found her spiritual home at Mt. Olive Baptist Church (currently Mount Olive Church Ministries) in April of 1970. There, she blossomed into a pillar of the church community, lending her talents and energy to numerous ministries. She lifted her voice in the GS Clark and Mass Choirs, provided steadfast support through the Deaconess and Willing Workers Ministries, contributed to the church's growth through the Building Fund Committee, and was instrumental in the creation of the Seniors on the Move Ministry. For over a decade, she served as the devoted President of the Voices of the Mount, and the Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee. Marilyn also served many years on the Board of Directors at the Mount Olive Child Development Center. Her commitment to Mt. Olive was a testament to her deep and abiding love for God. Marilyn's professional life was marked by the same dedication she showed in her spiritual pursuits. She dedicated 25 years to B & T Contractors and later retired from the City of Hartford Board of Education as a Payroll Specialist in 2015. Her leadership extended beyond her workplace, as she served as President of the Hartford Enterprise Zone Business Association, advocating for the prosperity of the community. Beyond her professional and spiritual endeavors, Marilyn embraced life with passion and joy. She was an enthusiastic fan of the UCONN Husky's Men's and Women's basketball teams, a loyal supporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and an avid bowler. As a founding member of the Insurance City Bowling Senate of The National Bowling Association, Inc., she was affectionately known as "Madam P," where she made history as the first woman president which gained her the title of President of the Year by the National Bowling Association. Marilyn served as a coach for the ICS Junior Program and was honored to be named a Life Member. Marilyn was influential in the successful pursuit of ICS candidates being crowned TNBA Royalty; two Kings, four Queens, two Princesses and one Prince. In recognition for her dedication and service to the Insurance City Senate, Marilyn Arnum was elected as President Emeritus. Marilyn also served as the Director of the Internal Audit Committee of the National Bowling Association for over 15 years and volunteered tireless hours at the annual TNBA Eastern Regional Tournament. Her love for TNBA took her across the United States, participating in tournaments, one of which, the Greater Richmond Senate TNBA Doubles Tournament, she bowled a perfect 300 game. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Hartford Woman's Bowling Association (GHWBA) she was instrumental in securing the Woman's International Bowling Congress (WIBC) national tournament for Hartford by getting Travelers Insurance to be the corporate sponsor. Marilyn was inducted into the United States Bowling Congress of Greater Central Connecticut Hall of Fame for her meritorious services and bowling ability. Marilyn and the other members of the Bubbling Brown Sugar bowling team won $14,000 for winning 1st Place in the Lilac City Tournament. Marilyn's legacy of love and devotion lives on through her beloved family. She is survived by her brother, Brian Newkirk (Candice) of Florida; her son, Vernel Arnum (Kim) of New Hampshire; her daughters, Vicki Arnum and Wendy Thomas, both of Wethersfield. She will be deeply missed by her granddaughter, Charlotte Mansfield; her grandsons: Nolan Evan, Quincy Thomas (Kaci), and Miles Thomas; and her two great-grandsons, Zaiden Bacon and Pharaoh James "PJ" Thomas; her two favorite cousins Carolyn Dyson and Sharon Mounds; and her longtime besties: Lucille Bartee, Alice Lumpkin, and Paulette Payne-Hill. She also leaves behind an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is predeceased by her siblings: Wilburine Annette "Renie" (Newkirk) Fernandez, Delores Louise (Newkirk) Davis, and Jewett Newkirk II. Marilyn's warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her soul rest in eternal peace. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the following charities, as an expression of sympathy: The National Bowling Association Junior Program and Scholarship Program Attn: Gwen Amie, Scholarship Chairperson 7520 Arborcrest Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89131 Mount Olive Church Ministries Scholarship Fund Mount Olive Church Ministries 20 Battles Street Hartford, CT 06120 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marilyn, please visit our floral store.