Louise Willson Arnold

July 13th, 1924 – April 25, 2016

Louise Willson Arnold was born on Sunday, July 13, 1924, in Floydada, Texas. She was born to James M. Willson and Mavis Terry Willson, both longstanding members of the Floydada community. Her father was a lumberman, and he owned the Willson and Son Lumber Company in Floydada. Her mother was a member of the first graduating class of Southern Methodist University, and she became a school teacher after graduating and returning to her beloved hometown. Louise had two brothers and one sister: Jimmy Willson (deceased), of Floydada; David Willson, of Plainview; and Oragene Addis, who lives in Dallas. The Willson family has always been known for its strong Christian beliefs and philanthropy.

After graduating from Floydada High School, Louise attended Southern Methodist University for two years. Having an interest in a degree in home economics and clothing design, she transferred to Iowa State University. While residing in Ames, Iowa, she was active in Chi Omega. She invested many hours as a sponsor for fashion and design courses, and she trained many younger women with similar pursuits.

Louise learned to fly while attending courses at Iowa State University, and she became the first licensed female pilot in Floyd County. She received a degree in home economics from Iowa State University in 1946. After returning to Texas, she worked at the Neiman Marcus store in Dallas and later returned to Floydada to work for her father. She was one of the first women to pass the Texas Lumberman’s Course.

In 1949, she married Dr. Robert N. Arnold in Baltimore, Maryland. Louise and Robert, who was best known as Bob, had been next door neighbors in Floydada. Louise and Bob spent their early years of marriage in Dallas while Bob completed his residency program in obstetrics and gynecology at Parkland Hospital. During the Korean War, Bob served as a medical doctor and officer in the United States Public Health Service at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Louise and Bob were married for 63 years when Bob passed away in 2013.

Louise has two sons: Richard W. Arnold, who lives in Melissa, Texas; and James C. Arnold of Lubbock. Richard and his wife, Tambi, have two daughters named Kristine and Lindsey. Kristine has a daughter named Madison Louise. James and Kathleen, his wife, have one son and one daughter. Robert lives in Ohio with Nicole, his wife, and they have a son named Nathaniel. Kaitlyn, James' daughter, moved from Texas to Chicago and is engaged to Jordan Miller.

The Arnold family moved to Lubbock in 1955. While living in Lubbock, Louise has worked tirelessly to broaden the educational horizons for the community and enable young people to succeed in her beloved community. To further the goals she had for the community, she has served on countless boards and committees in Lubbock throughout the years that focused on education and philanthropy for the South Plains. Her memberships included: the Texas Tech Foundation Board of Directors, where she served for over 20 years; the Texas Tech University College of Human Sciences as a member or emeritus member from 1984 to 2006; and the West Texas Museum Association Board later to become the Museum of Texas Tech University Association board.

The Museum of Texas Tech University has partnered with Louise several times. She helped the museum's shop find items that reflected the importance and beauty of the Southwest. However, their partnership didn't end there. She was a strong supporter of Texas Tech University's School of Art. Louise's interest in arts and crafts inspired her and her husband to accumulate a large collection of art celebrating the Southwest. Louise and Bob started collecting pottery, baskets and glass in the 1960s, and they acquired an encompassing collection, filled with work from the region's masters, that is showcased in their home.

While supporting her family at home, Louise managed to find time to serve in the Lubbock Junior League, the Sherick Memorial Home, the Lubbock Women’s Club, the PEO International Chapter AA, and as a member of Lubbock Methodist Hospital's medical auxiliary. She supported lectures for Texas Tech University, McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, and the Covenant Medical Center.

Louise's most remarkable accomplishment, and life's work, began during her involvement in the groundwork for the Helen Jones Foundation, Inc. Louise and Helen Jones met while serving on the Texas Tech Foundation Board, and their friendship inspired the creation of the Helen Jones Foundation, Inc.

The Helen Jones Foundation focuses on encouraging the development of education, providing support for local artists, enhancing the exhibits in museums, educating youth as emerging leaders in the Lubbock community, and various human services in the South Plains. Under Louise's leadership, from 1984 through 2005, the Helen Jones Foundation made significant donations to Texas Tech University, several educational institutions, and a host of visual and performing arts companies. Louise was the first Executive Director of the Helen Jones Foundation and helped establish the foundation's charter and guidelines. Louise was recognized by the Lubbock community as a YWCA Woman of Excellence, received the Distinguished Service Award in 1997 from the Texas Tech College of Human Sciences, and in 2002 she was given the Distinguished Leader Award from the Texas Tech College of Human Sciences.

The family wishes to thank Doris Johnson for her many years of friendship and support for her years of friendship and support along with Comfort Keepers and Hospice of Lubbock. You all were a blessing to Louise.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Museum of Texas Tech University Association.

Online condolences may be made at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.Arrangements under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Lubbock, TX.