Marlene Elmore Arnold

Marlene Elmore Arnold passed away peacefully in Rockwall, TX on May 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Cullman, AL on July 23, 1935, to Horace Dewey Elmore and Ora Elizabeth Boyd Elmore. Marlene was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, her husband, Ray Arnold, son James Marlin Arnold and his wife, Carol, sister Peggy Kline and her husband, Dick, as well as her grandson, David Bradley Arnold. She married Alvin “Ray” Arnold on February 4, 1953, in Madera, CA where they both grew up together. While in California they lived in several different cities but ultimately moved to Texas in 1963. They settled in Forney, TX in January 1964 where they raised their three sons. Marlene was an active member of Chisholm Baptist Church and most recently First Baptist Church of Terrell. When she could no longer drive, she faithfully watched both First Baptist Church Terrell and Lakepointe Church Rockwall’s online services. Marlene was a powerful prayer warrior during these services and her comments on the livestreams were filled with encouraging words for other viewers and pastoral staff! She treasured the members of her Sunday School Class and her friendship with each class member filled Marlene’s heart with joy. Marlene retired from Marsh & McLennan after 20+ years of service. Once retired, she decided she did not like being idle, so she returned to Marsh on a contract basis for several years. She “tested” retirement again, but alas she went to work at Talty Water Supply for another 10 years and finally called it quits at age 80. Ray’s passing in 2006 left a big void in her heart. They were married just shy of 53 years and she missed him every day. However, she filled her life with family and friends – to whom she was faithfully devoted. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were always at the forefront of her thoughts and prayers. She enjoyed travelling, making several trips with her sons and especially the trips to Lake Havasu, AZ to visit her brother and sister-in-law. Her trusted companion in her final days was her Boston Terrier, Tippy. Left to cherish Marlene’s memory are her sons, Stephen Ray Arnold and wife, Vickie, and David Allen Arnold and wife, Vicki, her brother, David Elmore and wife, Gloria, her grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Rachel Saldana (David), Joshua Arnold (Hollie), Aaron Arnold, Lance Haley, Leilonie Haley, and Justin Haley, as well as 12 great grandchildren, 5 step-great grandchildren, and 3 step-great-great grandchildren. She will be missed by all that knew her and enjoyed her free spirit of love and laughter. Memorials in Marlene’s name may be made to: WeGo Nigeria a 501(C)(3) Non-profit, 712 Hartman Street, Rockwall, TX 75087 Attn: Marlene Arnold Memorial (A ministry she supported since 2002) Funeral service will be at 11:00am, Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Highland Memorial Gardens. Her family will receive friends beginning at 10:00am to service time.

Tributes

Marlene Elmore Arnold

May 27, 2025