Donna Jean Arnold

Donna Jean Arnold, of Newnan, Georgia, formerly of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was welcomed home into the loving arms of her Savior April 17, 2023. Donna passed at her home with her husband and youngest daughter by her side. Donna was born June 20, 1945, in Auburn, Indiana, first child of Neil Emerick and Viva L. (Christlieb) Emerick.

Donna’s eye for decorating and immense sense of creativity landed her home on the front pages of newspapers and in historical tour of homes. And it was not just the inside of her home that was eye-catching. She kept an immaculate yard and garden, where she spent a lot of her time bird watching and reading. When she was not at home, she was out shopping and picking (and picking and shopping, and shopping and picking) all things antique. And man did she ever know her way around a dance floor! Her friends and family will greatly miss sitting with her and her husband on their front porch and the occasional water fight.

Donna had a special affection towards her country and saw it as her duty as a patriotic citizen to fly the stars and stripes. She believed the act of patriotism and feeling patriotic are things which make for a stronger nation.

Donna was an active member of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Newnan, Georgia. She enjoyed feeding those in need and always helped keep the Little Free Food Pantry at her church well stocked.

She is survived by her husband, George S. Arnold, Jr.; sister, Ruth Ann Judge of Fort Wayne, Indiana;  children, daughter and son-in-law, Todd and Gina Dickson of North Augusta, South Carolina; son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Tracee Pinnington of Fort Wayne, Indiana; daughter and son-in-law, Matt and Justeen Oess of Cape Coral, Florida; daughter, Mona Pinnington of Atlanta, Georgia; stepson, Kyle and Liz Arnold of Hammond, Indiana; stepson, Keith Arnold of Pierceton, Indiana; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and dear friend, Tim Hofaker.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Johanna Pinnington.

A memorial gathering will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn, IN. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday May 20, 2023, at Resurrection Lutheran Church 1250 Lora Smith Road Newnan, Georgia 30265. Pastor Jennifer Roberts will be officiating. 

Memorial donations in Donna’s honor, may be made to Resurrection Lutheran Church for the Little Free Food Pantry.

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