Virginia M. Arnett

Mrs. Virginia M. Arnett passed away Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015 at St. Michael's Place nursing facility in Newport, Ark. She was born Aug. 31, 1928 in Monette, Ark. to the late Thomas Edward Henderson and Velma (Day) Henderson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roy M. Arnett; two brothers, J. C. Henderson and Sammy Henderson and a special nephew, Tim Elrod. She is survived by three children, Johnny Pillow and wife, Sue of Cedar Hill, Texas, Linda Weaver and husband, Wayne of Searcy, Ark. and Steve Arnett of Little Rock; two sisters, Juanita Tatum of Burton, Mich. and Chris Elrod of New Boston, Texas; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Virginia was a long time member of the Holden Avenue Church of Christ. She was a good friend to the late Sam Walton and at his urging went to work at one of his first Walmart stores in Newport. She retired after many years as head of the fabric department. She spoke often of Mr. Walton and had great respect for him not only as a businessman and friend but also as a person and how he impressed her life. Mr. Walton later spoke of her and her accomplishments in his first book. After her retirement, Virginia pursued her great interest in dolls, she became known throughout Arkansas for her museum and collection of over 10,000 dolls. She has had visitors from all over the world as well as attention from newspapers, television and magazines being included with tourism for Arkansas. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. J. L. May officiating. Interment will be in Sandhill Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, 12:30 until service time. Pallbearers will be Mike Arnett, Boyce Arnett, Greg Weaver, Danny Tatum, Jeff Huntsman and Randy Pillow. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Holden Avenue Church of Christ, 1201 Holden Avenue, Newport, AR 72112. To light a memorial candle, leave a condolence or view the guestbook, visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com.