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Submitted: 3/23/22 • Approved: 3/24/22 • Last Updated: 3/27/22 • R1425958-G1425957-S3
February 26, 1937 - June 6, 2014
Our beloved Geneva (McGahee) Arnold, affectionately know as “Geneva” or “Aunt Geneva” was born in Monroe County in Holly Grove, Arkansas on February 26, 1937 to the union of Calvin McGahee Sr. and Claudine (Early) McGahee. She was the third child of nine born to this union. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of the Maryland Avenue Baptist Church located in Chicago and later the Eureka Baptist Church located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She served on the Pastor’s staff, the Women’s Ministry and gave generously of her finances. She did whatever was asked of her and was willing to help in any area of the church. She attended Holly Grove High School and would later marry her husband, Preston “Joe Louis” Arnold on December 29, 1958. The two later migrated to Chicago, Illinois as part of the great northern migration of African Americans from the South to northern cities in the Midwest and Northeast.
Geneva was a dedicated employee of Nabisco for over thirty one years until her retirement in 2002. She would enjoy her retirement years spending time with her husband Preston watching sports including the Chicago Bulls, hosting holiday parties at her home, cooking, gardening, reading her Bible and attending church.
She was such a kind spirit and would often think of others to make them happy. For instance, on most Saturdays she would bring bags of Nabisco cookies for her nieces and nephews. It was like feeding time with kids running to the bags to find their favorite brand of Nabisco Cookies. When her brother Leon needed care, she moved him in with her and took care of him until his death. She was also a great conversationalist. Anyone who knew Geneva, knew that she loved to talk and she could spend hours holding court talking.
Geneva was preceded in death by her parents (Calvin Sr. and Claudine); her husband Preston Arnold (December 4, 2013); her brothers, Leon McGahee, James Lee (Diane-deceased) McGahee, Cudell (Matilda) McGahee, Charlie (Amanda-deceased) McGahee, Johnny Lee (Caldonia-deceased) McGahee; and her sister, Louise (McGahee) Flowers.
Geneva transitioned on June 6, 2014 to be with our Lord and she leaves to celebrate her life: two siblings, Calvin (Cadella – deceased) McGahee Jr. , Ermaline (Clint) Fluker; a host of nieces and nephews Melvin, Theresa, Beatrice, Wilfred, Sandra, Kathy, Bernadette, Michael, Marsha, Vivian, Erma Jean, Margaret, Gail, Charlie C., Charles Edward, Carl, Kenny Wayne, John Lee Jr., David Lee, Carl Anthony, Carlos Dwayne, Kelvin Terrell, Cudell, Sabrina, Carmelita, Anastasia, Tawanda, Teena, James, and Charles; and her in-laws, Weston (Vernice) Arnold, Rev. Otho Neil (Sophia) Andrews, and Carl V. Arnold; two sister-in-laws: Alma Sain and Jessie Ree (Jimmy) Walker and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will cherish her memories.
Her legacy of kindness, good nature and selflessness will never be forgotten. All of us were blessed to have known her and we know that she is now with the Lord, and we are thankful that her spirit will continue to be with us.
Funeral services will be held, Friday, June 13, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Eureaka Baptist Church with Dr. Steve R. Lake officiating. Entombment will follow in Crestview Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Contributed on 3/23/22 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1425958