Mrs. Rosa Lee Arnold

On Wednesday, July 20th, a heavenly call went out. It was sent to 822 W Bernice St, the blue trimmed brick house. God sent angels to bring Rosa Lee Arnold to her new home. One where cares and concerns, though looking for her, they would not find; one where all earthly troubles are left far behind. No longer on a bed of pain, no longer trying to cope with legs that refused to move or eyes that ceased to see. No, now she has a new body, one robed in royalty. Rosa Lee Arnold was born in Opelousas, La., to the late John and Stella J. Harrison, on 11/8/1943. Also proceeding her in death were her husband, David Smith Arnold, Sr., her son Darryl Dwayne Arnold, daughter, Rasihaan Denise Arnold, her grandson, Brandon Jermaine Arnold; her brothers: Richard and Walter Harrison and her sister, Florence Edwards. She is survived by her six children: sons: David Smith Arnold, Jr. (Eunice) of Tallahassee, FL.; Dwarrick Cardell Arnold of Opelousas, La., Shawn Marcus Arnold, Sr. (LaKiesha) of Lafayette, La.; daughters: Dwonnda Michelle Arnold and Shawnnette Marie Arnold of Lafayette, La., and Rolanda Renee Arnold of Opelousas, La.; five grandchildren: Taylor Arnold of Tallahassee, Fl., A’Kaisha Brown (Tyler), Kiara Arnold, Shawn Arnold, Jr. and Daunte Arnold, all of Lafayette, La; two great-grandsons: Noah Brown and Noble Lazard, both of Lafayette, La.; two sisters: Gwen Harrison-Layssard (Joseph) of Youngsville, La. and Olivia Gross of Los Angeles, Ca. and one brother, John Harrison, Jr of La., and a host of other relatives and friends. Jodea, as she was called by family, was a very colorful and creative woman. She was known for her fashion. Hat matched the shoes that matched the purse that matched the fingernails! To complete the flawless look, a nice spray of Royal Secret! She was ready for any outing. Mrs. Arnold was the consummate teacher. Education and educating were her life. She was able to bring mundane subjects to life! She graduated from Southern University with a master’s degree in Education and earned an additional 30 hours. She was the teacher’s teacher. Her teaching career began with her own children then blossomed to Head Start and culminated at Sunset Elementary. It was at Sunset Elementary that she showed with perseverance, determination, hard-work and prayer, anything can be accomplished. Her students were recognized for scoring exceptionally well on the LEAP, scoring mastery many times. Additionally, as they excelled in their writings, their writings were published. As she helped them see the possible in the impossible, they soared. Rosa Lee Arnold accepted Jesus Christ at an early age at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. There she sang with the Glory-nets, produced Black History programs Also, it was here that her teaching skills were exemplified as she taught Sunday School and spearheaded the Education Ministry until her health declined. Ms. Rose, as we children sometimes called her when she was being too independent, loved cooking. She made the best pecan candy, whisky balls, and Thanksgiving feast! She could cook a seven-course meal with a hot plate and one burner on the stove! She could play a mean hand of spades; you just had to make sure the ace of spades was played only once! Other things she loved were traveling, going out to restaurants, reading her Bible, visiting her best friend and 1st Cousin Eva Thomas, and chatting on the phone with her sisters. Her love for her grandchildren was even greater. Those little ones could do no wrong, especially LiI Shawn! In all she did, Rosa Lee Arnold did with a purpose. Her goal was for her children and grandchildren to know their worth and celebrate themselves. She made sure we answered the phone correctly and used complete sentences. The only time bad/incorrect English was allowed, was if you were talking about her team, the Saints. Who dat talkn’ ‘bout beatn’ dem Saints!??! Who dat!?!? Who dat!?!? Momma, Jodea, Mrs. Arnold, Ms. Rose, we will always cherish your memory and honor your legacy. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 30th, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church with Pastor Chad Ned. Interment will be in Bellevue Memorial Park, Highway 182 S., Opelousas, LA. The family requests visiting hours be observed on Saturday, July 30th, 2022, from 8:00 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, Opelousas, LA. Share words of comfort with the family of Rosa Lee Arnold on her Permanent Life Tribute Page at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net. Be the first to post your most treasured memory of Rosa. Show your support by sharing a personal message or story, meaningful photo or video, or record a video message using your webcam. On behalf of the family, we encourage you share your personal experiences and preserve the memory of Rosa Lee Arnold, known to some affectionately as “Jodea’, to others as Mrs. Rose, for future generations to come. Final arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 817 E. South Street, 337-942-2037.

Tributes

Mrs. Rosa Lee Arnold

November 8, 1943 - July 20, 2022