Mary Lou Arney, 88, of Daleville, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
Her life was marked by devotion to Jesus, her husband, children, grandchildren, and the community. An exemplary matriarch and homemaker, Mary Lou took great pride in her cooking and often prepared irreplicable meals for large family gatherings.
After raising four children, she continued her education and became a Unit Secretary and Monitor Technician at Carilion Health Systems, where she retired in 2010. In her most recent years, Mary Lou was a member of several bridge clubs, loved attending Broadway plays and movies, and enjoyed visiting the beach.
Faith in Jesus was a significant part of Mary Lou’s life. She was an active member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for over 30 years, where she served as the pianist. In 2016, she joined Fincastle Baptist Church and enjoyed worshiping there amongst family and friends.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Jewell Arney; her parents, Orville Bryant and Bernice Bryant Wright; stepfather, Paul Wright; and her precious grandson, Jared Arney.
She is survived by her sister, Barbara (Wayne) Newman; brother, Ray (Margaret) Bryant; stepsister, Norma (Bill) Martin; her children and their spouses, Allen and Lisa Arney, Curt and Kim Arney, Bill and Teresa Arney, and Teresa and Jay Simmons; her grandchildren, Britney (Anthony) Capito, Kristen DeCamara (Scott Campbell), Drew (Katherine) Arney, Evan (Allyssa) Arney, Tyler Simmons, Luke Arney, Will (Nicole) Arney, Jared’s wife Katie Arney, Brett Simmons, Lauren Simmons, and Katelyn Arney; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, at Oakey’s East Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the service time on Saturday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.oakeys.com.
