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Sarah Rose Nelson Arnold entered heaven’s gates on April 27, 2024, surrounded by her immediate family whom she loved with all her heart and soul. She was born on Veterans Day in 1946, Kingsport, TN to John Thomas Nelson and Louise Candler Nelson.

Sarah was a graduate of Sullivan High School, Pensacola Junior College, University of West Florida, and Salve Regina University, Newport, RI where she also taught classes. Her passion was early childhood development having taught in Florida, Mississippi, Virginia, the Philippines, Maryland, Rhode Island and Tennessee. She was a cherished teacher at Mt Carmel, TN Elementary School from 1999 until her retirement in May 2013. She continued as a County Consultant for another year. Sarah was honored as the Hawkins County Elementary Teacher of the year in 2012 and was recommended for the Tennessee Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

Sarah was a faithful member of the McPheeters Bend Missionary Baptist Church, and a Director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board from 2016 to 2022. She loved her Lord and expressed that Love to anyone she engaged in conversation. Her sincere Love was also evident to her family and many others through cards and generous gifts on birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, David and Johnny Nelson; and sister, Patrica Parton.

She is survived by her husband of almost 59 years, Lance M. Arnold; sons, Charles Delaney, Plant City, FL., Kevin Wayne, Kevin’s wife Donna, Mechanicsville, MD and Lance Chris, Church Hill, TN; and by grandchildren, Katherine, Andrew, Matthew, Rachel and Cole Arnold. Also, sisters-in-law, Janie Lafollette and husband, Jim, Kathy Arnold, Peggy Waters and husband, Russ, and Margie Nelson; and special nieces, Donna Holt and Jennifer LaFollette as well as several other nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, compassion and generosity during this most difficult time. Also, thanks to the Cancer Center, Encompass and Amedisys staffs, especially Nurse Megan and Rachel with Home Instead.

A visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 PM on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home in Church Hill, TN. A celebration of life service will follow in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Steve Holt officiating. Music will be provided by Jennifer. A graveside service will follow in procession to McPheeters Bend Community Cemetery.

Sarah loved her flowers with 80 plus in her home, so in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the McPheeters Bend Community Cemetery, c/o Curtis Drinnon, 129 River Road, Church Hill, TN 37642.