Frances Marks Arnold Parker
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Frances Marks Arnold Parker, 93, died in Wilmington, NC on July 30, 2021, surrounded by her family.
Frances was born in Boykins, Virginia on August 8, 1927, the middle child and only daughter of Texie Camp Marks and Robert Franklin Marks. She attended public schools in Boykins, finished high school at St. Mary's School in Raleigh, and attended Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia.
Frances met her future husband, Rev. John Felix Arnold, when he came to Boykins to be pastor of Boykins Baptist Church. Frances and Felix were married in 1947 and moved to Enfield, North Carolina, where Felix had been called to serve as pastor of the Enfield Baptist Church. They raised their five children in Enfield, built a wonderful life together, became cherished and respected members of the Enfield community, and were happily married for 47 years. They moved to Wilmington in early 1994, where Felix died later that year. In 1998 Frances married David Parker and embraced his five children and their families as her own. Family gatherings were large and joyous. Frances and David lived in Landfall prior to their move to Plantation Village and enjoyed a full and active life in both communities. After David's death in 2015, Frances continued to be an active and involved resident of Plantation Village.
Frances' life was one of service - service to God, service to her family and service to others. While living in Enfield, supporting Felix in his ministry and raising their children, she made time to serve in volunteer roles at church, in the local school, at the hospital in Rocky Mount, for Hospice, as a member of the Halifax County School Board, and in numerous other capacities in Enfield and the surrounding area. After moving to Wilmington, she became involved in her new community, serving as a volunteer for First Baptist Church, the Good Shepherd Soup Kitchen, the overnight shelter at St. James Episcopal Church, Meals on Wheels, the Guardian Ad Litem program in New Hanover County, and the Cameron Art Museum. She served on various committees at Plantation Village, on the Altar Guild at St. Andrews-on-the-Sound Episcopal Church, and on the board of the Jo Ann Carter Harrelson Center. She supported many arts organizations, including the North Carolina Symphony and the Wilmington Symphony. Later in life, Frances was enriched by her daily visits with patients at The Davis Community.
Her deep Christian faith was exemplified by her service to others, particularly the needy, the lonely, the sick, and the marginalized. This component of her faith was done quietly, and often anonymously, through acts of love, kindness, compassion, and generosity which impacted the lives of untold numbers of people. Frederick Buechner has written that "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." Frances knew this place.
In addition to her parents and her husbands, Frances was predeceased by her brothers, Paul Douglas Camp Marks and Robert Franklin Marks, Jr. She is survived by her children, Felice Arnold Parent (Jeff) of Apex, NC; Louann Arnold Clarke of Greensboro, NC; Robert Marks Arnold (Mimi) of Charlotte, NC; John Felix (Jack) Arnold, Jr. (Robin Harris) of Raleigh, NC; and Claude Camp Arnold (Odette) of Wilmington, NC; fifteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; her stepchildren, David Parker, Worth Parker (Mary-Margaret), Michael Parker (Ellison), Laurie Long (Ken), and Kevin Parker (Gretchen); their children and grandchildren; and her very special friend, Ed Dorsey.
Throughout her life, Frances made and nurtured enduring friendships that are too numerous to count. Her family is grateful to the staff and her many friends at Plantation Village for their love and support, for the care provided at The Davis Community, and for the involvement and support of Lower Cape Fear Life Care.
A private family service will be held at the Frank H. Kenan Chapel at Landfall, where her ashes will be interred.
Memorials may be sent to: The Jo Ann Carter Harrelson Center, 20 North 4th Street, Suite 214, Wilmington, NC, 28401; or at www.harrelsoncenter.com
Please sign the online Guestbook at www.andrewsmortuary.com