Florence Arnold

Mrs. Florence Sullivan Arnold, 93, departed this life on December 31, 2018, after a brief period of declining health. Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Abraham and Lula Sullivan.

On April 19, 1946, she married Robert A. Sullivan, who preceded her in death. She later found love again, and married Robert L. Arnold, Sr., on September 15, 1962. To this union, were born two sons: Kenneth and Warren Arnold. Florence was a devoted wife and loving mother. Robert Arnold preceded her in death, after 25 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her half-brothers and step-children. Her love for her family was only overshadowed by her love for the Lord. Prior to her decline in health, she was a faithful member of New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

Florence graduated from Sterling High School in 1941. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Benedict College and a Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Furman University. She worked for the School District of Greenville County as a teacher for 37 years, serving at Allen School, Morton Elementary, Baker's Chapel Elementary, Tanglewood Middle, and finally retiring from Westcliffe Elementary in 1983. She was also an adult education teacher for 8 years. After retirement, she served as the secretary at Martin Webb Baptist Learning Center for several years.

Florence strongly believed in education, especially Christian education. She was an active member of many organizations during her lifetime, such as the Enoree River Baptist Women's Auxiliary, the SC Baptist Women's Convention, the National Congress of Christian Education U.S.A. Inc. and the SC Congress of Christian Education. She learned to play the piano at an early age and served as the pianist for Lincoln Street Baptist Church, a church founded by her grandfather, (Rev. Warren W. Sullivan). She later served as a pianist for New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and as a part-time pianist for Rocky Creek Baptist Church.

Florence was never too busy to help others, serving as a volunteer in the Critical Care Unit at St Francis Hospital. She also served the local community by teaching and leading many to love music and the arts. Whether it be a skit that she had written, a song that she had played or sang, or a piano lesson she had given, Florence continued to touch many lives. She was a gifted quilter and shared her creations with many people. She was also known for annually baking fruit cakes for others.

Florence is survived by her sons, Kenneth (Valerie) and Warren (Marian). She also leaves behind to cherish her memory a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, sons-in law, daughters-in-law, a sister-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Amid all the problems that life sometimes brings, she held on to her faith and remained strong. Her life's motto was, “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in vain.”