Billie was born October 6, 1936, in Newton County, Mississippi, a daughter of the late John G. and Mary Hollingsworth. On August 2, 1957, she married the love of her life, her late husband, J.C. Arnold. They were blessed with many happy years together prior to his passing two days before their 59th wedding anniversary in 2016.
Billie was a charter member of McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl where she served many years as the church bookkeeper. Billie was a true servant of our Lord and loved her church family dearly.
Billie worked in the Pearl City School system for over 37 years as the Bookkeeper, Business Manager and Chief Financial Officer. She was the President and an active member of MASBO for several years. She loved all the people she got to know over the years at MASBO and SASBO and the school system.
She loved spending time with her granddaughters, Hannah and Claire. In their eyes, Gammie Biscuits were a must every time they were together. Billie also loved cooking for her family, and she always made sure she cooked everyone’s favorites.
Billie was also famous for her cheesecakes and peanut brittle. There wasn’t a holiday that didn’t go by where she was bringing someone one or both of these.
In her free time she enjoyed trips with her family to Orange Beach, Al. She loved planning the trip every summer for over 25 years. Early morning walks on the beach with J.C. and spending time with family were always special to her.
Billie enjoyed life, and she was thankful for her family and friends, just as they now give thanks for the blessing of her life.
In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her sister, Edna McKee and brother-in-law, Gene Parrish.
She is survived by son, Daniel Arnold and wife Terri; granddaughters, Hannah Ooms and husband Ben, and Claire Arnold; great-grandchildren, Ellie Jay and Jonah Ooms; brother, John Hollingsworth and wife Elsie; and sisters, Bessie Hollingsworth, and Sadie Parrish, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl,Ms. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00am, Friday, June 13, 2025, at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl with interment to follow in Floral Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church.
