Betty Arnold

Betty B (Dade) Arnold, age 82, of Worthington, Ohio, transitioned in the arms of the Lord on Friday, October 4, 2024. Mother Arnold was born on February 23, 1942, in Algoma, West Virginia. She was sent by God into the hands of her loving parents, Alexander and Ora (Parker) Dade. Betty is the fourth of 14 children. In 1954, she and her family moved to Columbus, Ohio.

Betty was a 1960 graduate of East High School. Betty’s next celebratory event happened on December 17, 1960, when she married the love of her life, the late Chaplain, Elder James Arnold. 

Betty loved travel, reading and bargain shopping. She always smiled when she justified her shopping by saying, “It helps me reach my walking goals.”

In professional life, Betty assisted in Labor and Delivery at Grant Hospital; she was Client Advocate for Franklin County MRDD; and Teacher/Office Assistant at Linmoor Middle School. 

Mother Arnold’s race ended in the same way that she began it – in committed service, and obedience to God. In April 1969 Betty gave her life to the Lord. She became a member of The Eliezer Church of Christ, (Bishop Sandy Dunlap), Elder Phillip Smedley, Pastor. While at Eliezer she was active in various roles, among them she served faithfully in the Missionary Department and as Sunday School and Bible School Teacher. 

Betty formed a special relationship with Beth Messiah Congregation, Rabbi Howard Silverman, Congregational Leader. For more than 15 years she regularly attended Sabbath services. As an adherent of lifelong learning, Betty became an avid student of The Messianic Studies Institute, a unique institute focused on the Biblical languages, and the Jewish heritage and essence of the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation.

At the time of her death, Betty was a devoted member of Little Rock Church, (Bishop Joseph Pannell) Elder Blair Burke, Pastor. She served as Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent. Throughout her life, Mother Arnold had a deep affection for Sunday School. She often shared the story of her Mother sending them to two churches every Sunday. Betty had fond childhood memories of learning to recite Mary’s Hymn of Praise (Luke 1:46-55). Like Mary, we know that Betty still proclaimed, My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has begun to rejoice in God my Savior.

Under her leadership, the Little Rock Sunday School Department was awarded Top Sunday School (COOLJC) in the State of Ohio. She served as Bible School Teacher and Director. She was active in the Little Rock Women’s Ministry and the Missionary Department.

Betty lived her life in service to others. One facet of her service was an active involvement in the lives of troubled youth. She worked alongside her husband, Chaplain, Elder James Arnold, in ministry at TICO, TCY, Buckeye Youth Center, and Rosemont School. Betty and her husband also served many families as loving foster parents.

Betty worked consistently doing community outreach – a portion of this included preparing and serving meals with her family through ‘Dade Family – Faith in Action.’

Betty is widely known for her instruction and counsel by way of Conference Workshops and Church speaking engagements. Most notable and beloved was her on-call, open door availability. It seems she had a never-ending reservoir that flowed, releasing what you needed, just when you needed it most.

Betty had a calm, loving and nurturing presence. She loved deep and with intention. She is affectionately known as Mom, Mommy, Our Mom, Ma-Bet or Aunt Betty to many, this extends internationally.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Alexander and Ora Dade; her beloved Husband, Elder James L. Arnold; Son, James S. Arnold; Daughter, Stacie E. Arnold; sister, Ella Louise Wright and brothers, Robert, Eddie, Jeffrey and George Dade.

Among those who remain to celebrate her victory are her children: daughter, Wendy Arnold; son, Angelo Arnold; grandchildren: Dimarkai Aikens; Londyn Arnold; Egypt Beard; Dominique Gibbs; Chelsa Steward; Cheldon Steward; Riley McQueen; great grandchildren: Tavion and Tye Lee Steward; Rayne, Nova, Shyne, and Da’Siyre Steward; honorary grandchildren, Cehngslyn Beard; Mahagany Dunlap and Wesley Dunlap, Jr.; siblings: Elouise Burke; Ora (Huey) White; Diane Dade; Venita Dade-Lewis; James Dade; Clarence (Marvella) Dade; Will (Sheila) Dade, and DeWayne Dade; bonus children, Wesley (Keybra) Dunlap; Karole Head; godchildren: Leonard Ponder II; Katelyn Cleveland; special sons: Dwight Bailey; Joe Dunlap, Jr., Lewis Simpson, Jr., and Bryan Steward; close friend, Mother Edna Hammonds; as well as an abundance of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

To watch the Livestream of the Funeral Service, please visit
http://youtube.com/@ncbconline