Brender (a.k.a. Brenda) Fay Arnold, a native of Huntsville, AL died at age 60 on Monday, December 9, 2013 in her home after a long illness with her family at her side.
Brender was born to James Maxwell (deceased) and Katie M. (Sandifer) Maxwell (deceased) on June 6, 1953. She is the youngest of three kids. She graduated from Jane Adams High School in Ohio. Using her training from High School, she excelled as a seamstress and made all of the dresses for her own wedding. On April 7,1973 she married Frederick Arnold. After her kids were grown she made the brave decision to re-enroll in school and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. She proved to be a supportive mother throughout her kids’ schooling by making sure to stay involved by working various jobs such as school crossing guard, driving school bus and teaching at Warrensville Middle School for twelve years. One of her proudest accomplishments while teaching was facilitating bringing in grant money from NASA for aerospace and science education for an under-funded school system. After retiring from teaching she moved to AZ in 2011 to be closer to her son and grandkids.
As a dedicated Witness of Jehovah for 51 years, even during the last month of her illness, Brender faithfully participated in her ministry and shared her belief in the Bible’s promise of soon being able to experience the “real life” here on earth forever. (1 Timothy 6:19, Psalms 37:29) She enjoyed associating with her brothers and sisters from several different congregations, but most recently attended meetings at Bella Vista English Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Florence, AZ.
Brender chose to be positive in trying situations, never expected perfection from others, and proved to be a loyal and constant friend to loved ones. Brender liked to travel and experience new things. She was an excellent cook and modest.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Frederick E. Arnold; daughter, Farisa N. Arnold of San Tan Valley; son and daughter-in-law, Madalitso R. (Lara) Arnold of Mesa, AZ; brother, Howard Maxwell of Cleveland, OH; grandchildren Shaun Joiner, Kate Arnold and Kristen Arnold of Mesa, AZ; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and close friends.