Vera Mae Nipper Arnold

Vera was born in Ashburn, Georgia on January 12, 1922 to Lanier and Mattie Belle Nipper. She was the "baby" in a family of nine children. In high school, Vera lettered in basketball and was considered an outstanding player in her district. She was a member of the Beta Club which recognizes outstanding academic achievement and was selected, "Most Attractive" in her Senior Class. After graduation, she attended Georgia Southwestern University where she majored in Home Economics. This training was pivotal to her future domestic life as she eventually earned recognition and praise for her skills in both cooking and sewing.

In 1940, Vera married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Arnold and they moved to Jacksonville Florida. Soon, World War 11 interrupted their lives and Thomas departed for Europe. He served his nation with pride and returned two years later as a decorated soldier of both the Normandy Invasion in France and The Battle of the Hurtgen Forest in Germany.

After the war, Thomas became a long time employee of McKesson & Robbins Pharmaceutical Company and eventually retired after 25 years of service. Like Vera, Thomas was also one of nine children, so they always set aside time to entertain family who visited often. As an accomplished pianist, Vera was often called upon to entertain at these family gatherings.

Vera was an active member of the Narcissus Garden Club and often claimed First Place awards for her unique flower arrangements. She later went to work for State Farm Insurance Company becoming a rate clerk within a short few years. While there, Vera was also active in ABWA (American Business Women's Association) and eventually retired with State Farm after 30 years of service. Thomas and Vera enjoyed membership in the DAV and the many activities associated with Thomas' membership in both the Mason's and Shriner's organizations. Thomas and Vera were married for 69 years and were together until his death seven years ago. For over 50 years, the entire Arnold family was involved in the activities of Southside Baptist Church where Vera was often called upon to play the piano for the Children’s Sunday School Class.

Both, Thomas and Vera, took great pride in their family. Survivors include their three daughters Dian, Connie and Debbie. Dian and husband Ken Brownfield live in Savannah, GA, Connie and husband Louie Britt live in Jacksonville and Debbie and husband Mark Trail live in Houston, Texas. Grandchildren include: Dr. Elisha Brownfield and husband Dr. Ben Clyburn of Charleston, SC, Dr. Erica Brownfield and husband Dr. Marc Rosenberg of Atlanta, GA; Erin Brownfield Raley Esq. and husband, Charles Raley Esq. of Savannah, GA, Tiffany and husband Danny Roberts of Jacksonville, Tosha and husband James Abbott of Jacksonville, Ashley and husband Troy Fries of St Augustine. Carrie-Anne Trail (deceased), Matthew Trail, a senior at Oklahoma State University and a candidate for II Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and Cody Trail, a Junior at The University of Oklahoma. Great Grandchildren include: Samantha, Rachel, Virginia, Rebecca and Catherine Clyburn of Charleston; Rutledge, DeRenne and Frida Raley of Savannah, Eli and Skylar Rosenberg of Atlanta, Grayson and Mazzy Roberts of Jacksonville, Gia Martin of Jacksonville and Troy Fries, Jr. of St. Augustine.

Needless to say, Vera was very proud of her three children, nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren and of each of their individual achievements.

Survivors also include a sister-in-law, Jean Hood of Panama City, Florida and numerous nieces and nephews. Vera also leaves to mourn many friends from Elmcroft where she lived for the past five years

Vera Nipper Arnold truly lived a Christian life. She was a loving, selfless, compassionate, caring and devoted wife, mother, sister and daughter and a trustworthy and faithful friend. She often quoted a line from a poem by Edgar Guest: “I have to live with myself and so, I want to be fit for myself to know.” Vera certainly internalized these values and lived her life accordingly.

Visitation will be held from 11am-12pm at Hardage Giddens Funeral Home on Monday, February 17, 2014

Funeral Service will begin at 12 P.M. with Pastor Gary Webber of Southside Baptist Church officiating.

Remembrances: In lieu of flowers, a donation should be considered for Southside Baptist Church or to a charity of one’s choice.

In Appreciation: The family would like to recognize and extend their heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff of Elmcroft of Timberlin Parc who so lovingly cared for their mother during the past five years of her life. Vera enjoyed many wonderful activities while in Assisted Living there and in the last year of her life, received much love, compassion and individual attention from those in Elmcroft’s, Heartland Village.

Words of comfort can be left at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808.