Arnetta McDuffie

Arnetta Marion Saxton McDuffie was born on July 3rd 1926 in Russellville, Alabama, the youngest child of the late Edward and Ludie Phillips Saxton. When Arnetta was 3 years old, her mother Ludie P. Saxton died from complications of pneumonia. Ed Saxton was unable to care for a young child and work his farm. Annie, the oldest child was already caring for the three younger brothers. Ed’s sister, Lorean Elizabeth Saxton Blevins, stepped in and took Arnetta to the big city of Birmingham where she raised Arnetta as her own, along with her daughter, Margaret Louise Blevins (deceased). Although raised by her Aunt Lorean, Arnetta still held a tight connection to her three brothers and sister: Phillip Edward Saxton (Mary), Vester Saxton (Gladys) and Troy Leroy Saxton (Mattie). All three brothers preceded Arnetta in death, as did her dear sister, Annie Lee Saxton Suggs (Jack), whom she was devoted to and lovingly cared for in Annie’s twilight years.

Arnetta graduated from Parker High School in June 1942 and received certification in business administration from the Booker T. Washington Business College in Birmingham, AL June 1945. After her she and her classmates successfully completed the curriculum, the owner/director of the College, Minnie Gaston; wife of civil rights leader, A. G. Gaston, personally escorted the graduates to Washington D.C., to facilitate the employment opportunities for these young African American men & women.

In November 1945 during WWII, Arnetta secured employment with the United States Navy- Bureau of Yards and Docks. She would later join the Department of State, Agency for International Development (A.I.D); and would work in Civil Service for many years.

While in D.C., she met and married Henry Staley (deceased) on September 18, 1951. Henry Staley had three children from a previous union, (Henry Staley, Jr (deceased), Clara Louise Staley (deceased) and Harry Staley (Annis). It was following Henry Staley’s death in November 1970 that Arnetta accepted assignments overseas where she assisted numerous ambassadors and dignitaries during their travels to Asia, South America, Europe and Africa. She retired as Administrative Officer from the Department of State in 1979.

Upon returning to the States, she married Eugene McDuffie July 28, 1979 and they remained wed until his death in February 18, 2015. Eugene had five children from a previous union, Eugene McDuffie, III (Althea), Greg McDuffie (Sheila) who is deceased, Kenney McDuffie (Vickie) and Lisa McDuffie.

Arnetta moved back to Birmingham in late 1979 to care for her mom, Lorean Blevins until her death on September 26, 1983. In her new community, Arnetta remained active in government and civil service in some capacity, including membership on the Select Committee on Aging. She worked tirelessly through the Forestdale Community Association to foster pride in home ownership and promote beautification efforts of the neighborhood. She was a faithful member of First Congregational Church with lengthy service to the Women’s Fellowship and the Diaconate Board to maintain spiritual viability of the church.

Arnetta never had any natural children of her own but was like a mother to many. She held a special relationship with her brother Phillip’s children, Phillip Edward, II and Patricia Rose. When Phillip’s wife Mary Saxton passed away, Arnetta and Patricia Rose Burke (Henry) became mother and daughter and enjoyed a very extraordinary relationship. They remained devoted to each other until Patricia’s passing in 2009. Another incredible generation relationship was forged between Arnetta and Patricia’s daughter Mary Burke Hladio (William), who loving and capably cared for Arnetta in her final years of life. They enjoyed girl trips, self-care indulgences and a lifetime of memories.

Phillip Edward, II (Ruth), Patricia’s brother, also had a special relationship with both aunts Annie and Arnetta and was their special son. Arnetta spent most holidays and special events with Phillip Edward, II and his family for many years.

Arnetta leaves behind many fond nieces and nephews including William T Saxton (Thelma), Charles Saxton (Lindy), Christine Reynolds (Ray), Mattie Ophelia Hamilton, Bruce Saxton, Larry Saxton, Vanessa Saxton, Marilyn Smith, Phillip Edward Saxton II (Ruth); along with Patricia Burke (Henry), Ora Ross (Charlie), and Shirley Saxton who preceded her in death. She enjoyed a host of other relatives including great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her church family and many dear friends.

Arnetta was a beauty, both physically and in character. She was an extraordinary woman who exuded poise, joy and intelligence. Her friendliness, honesty, generosity and self-confidence were among her many assets. She was a humanitarian and a Christian doer of God’s good word. She was witty, fashionable, full of life and understood the importance of peace, patience, and humility. We will all miss Arnetta dearly.

A public visitation will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022, from 10:00am-11:00am at Johns Ridout's Elmwood Chapel located at 800 Dennison Ave. SW Birmingham, AL. 35211.

A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11:00am. Burial will follow immediately in Elmwood Cemetery.

Acknowledgement and Expression of Gratitude:

We are forever grateful to you for the expressions of sympathetic concern expressed during Arnetta’s life and her passing. Special Thanks are extended to the members of First Congregational Church, the SLS Caregiving and Hospice, 10X Physiotherapy, Professional Hair Care, Alabama Hospice, UAB House Calls and the many relatives, friends and neighbors who helped Arnetta through the years, providing her with your love, caring and friendship. We pray that God will bestow a bountiful blessing on each of you.

Happy Memories - by Helen Lowrie Marshall

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo, whispering softly down the ways of happy moments and laughing times. I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave when life if done. This poem was selected by Arnetta with specific instructions to be included as a loving message to her family.

PLEASE, NO FLOWERS.

Arnetta has requested that instead of flowers, donations in her name be made to the following organizations: First Congregational UCC; Checks sent to 1024 Center St. Birmingham, AL. 35204 Check memo - Arnetta McDuffie Memorial Fund; The University of Alabama at Birmingham Online Donations available – https//giving.uab.edu/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the McDuffie family.