Mary Joyce Arnold

Mary Joyce "Jo" Richardson Arnold, age 81, of North Little Rock, passed away January 27, 2014. She was born on October 16, 1932 in El Dorado, Arkansas, the only child of the late Edgar and Lora Tull Richardson. She was also preceded in death by a son, Steven, who passed away at birth. She was a proud alumnus of Henderson State University and Hendrix College. In 1955 she reconnected with a date from her early college years who had just graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. Six months later she married that man, the love of her life, William E. "Buddy" Arnold, Jr. She passes into the arms of God one week before her 58th wedding anniversary. She was a life long United Methodist who traveled the world from Kenya to Hong Kong, from Brazil to Russia and throughout Europe with her husband for Methodist meetings and conferences. While she was proud of Buddy as he took on leadership roles with the church and other organizations, she too was a leader of numerous church and community groups. She served as President of the North Little Rock Junior League, President of the Board of Aldersgate, and served numerous other organizations. She was one of the early leaders of Lakewood United Methodist Church and was celebrating her 50th year as a member. She was completely devoted to her faith, her family and her hundreds of friends. She is survived by her loving husband, William E. "Buddy" Arnold, Jr.; her son, W. Ellis Arnold, III and Kim and by two granddaughters for whom she had enormous pride, Laura Elizabeth Arnold and Grace Ellis Arnold. She is also survived by numerous cousins including Peggy Tull Roberson who was as much her sister as cousin. Family and friends are invited to the graveside service at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 31 at Pinecrest Memorial Park and/or the memorial service at 1 pm at Lakewood United Methodist Church. A reception for family and friends will be held at the church immediately following the memorial service. Memorials may be made to Lakewood United Methodist Church, 1922 Topf Rd., North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. Arrangements made by Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark. 72116 (501-791-7400). Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.