Shirley Ruth Arnold

Shirley Ruth Arnold, 88, of Macon, Georgia, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

A graveside service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family invites friends to join them from 1:30 PM until 2:30 PM at FairHaven Funeral Home for a time of fellowship and visitation.

Shirley was born on November 24, 1937, in Cochran, Georgia, to the late Mr. Ernest Stokes and Mrs. Willie Stokes. Above all else, Shirley loved her Lord and Savior and cherished the family He blessed her with. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy was spending time with her loved ones, especially her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world, and she took great pride in each and every one of them.

A faithful woman of God, Shirley attended Brookhaven Full Gospel Church, where she enjoyed worshiping and growing in her faith. She had a special knack for shopping and was always on the lookout for a good deal. Whether enjoying the peaceful beauty of Lake Sinclair or taking in the scenery of the mountains, Shirley appreciated the simple pleasures of life. She was a caring and loving woman who always had a soft spot for dogs and a heart that made room for those around her. Her warmth, kindness, and love for her family will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years, Needham Arnold Jr.; daughter-in-law, Pam Arnold; son-in-law, Jackie Cooper Jr.; three brothers; two sisters; grandson, Robert Arnold; and great-grandson, Damien Siens.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Neil Arnold and Ernie (Vivian) Arnold Sr.; daughters, Teresa (Alan) Everett, and Paige Cooper; grandchildren, Amanda (John) Montgomery, Andy (Lori) Arnold, Brittainy (Brad) Horne, Kristina (Josh) Kendall, Ernie (Ashley Cruthirds) Arnold Jr., Michael (Ashley) Arnold, Joshua (Jessica) Arnold, Christopher (Mandy) Garrett, Jacob (Brenda) Cooper, John (Emily) Cooper, and Kaitlyn (Seth) Vallett; twenty-four great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Though Shirley’s earthly journey has come to an end, the love she shared, the faith she carried, and the countless memories she created will live on through the generations of family she leaves behind. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with her loved ones and is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Shirley’s name to Brookhaven Full Gospel Church, 2006 Karl Dr. Apt 1702 Warner Robins, GA 31088 or St. Judes Children's Research Hospital. 

Services are entrusted to FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services