Jean Dorothy Arnette's Obituary
Jean Dorothy Arnette, 95, Mother and Nana to all died peacefully in her sleep June 19th, 2017 at her home in Culpeper, VA and is now dancing to Frank Sinatra with her husband Bill in God’s care.
Jean was born to Grace & Richard Copeland on January 4th 1922 in Norwich, England.
Jean was always full of life even as a young girl. She was a diver, a gymnast, even performing in front of the Queen of England. She rode motorcycles and was in the English Navy.
Jean left England and moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia where she met the love of her life Bill Arnette a Sailor from Columbus, OH. After a brief romance they were married on July 24th, 1950. Following their marriage and after a few moves they settled in Cecil County, MD where they lived there lives together and raised their children until 1981. You could always see Jean & Bill out dressed up to the hilt on a Friday night at the American Legion in Rising Sun or at a Saturday Bull Roast during those years. Jean was also well known for her love of shopping and eating good food. While in Maryland, living in Conowingo she became everyone’s Mom. Jean had an extraordinary talent for loving all and generously giving to those that needed help.
After losing Bill, she moved to Virginia with her daughter Kim and Mother-in-law Evelyn to be closer to her son Lee. Jean worked at several jobs there but finally settled in to a Receptionist job at Germanna Community College which she loved and made many great friends. She retired from that position in 2001 after realizing driving was not for her anymore and stayed at home with her daughter and grandchildren. Her love for shopping and eating fine food continued on as anyone that went with her will tell you. Her love for people also continued as she became Nana to all that came in contact with her.
Jean had a witty, funny sense of humor and when she laughed it could be contagious. She loved her family fiercely and would do anything to help or protect them. Mom/Nana will be remembered for her generous loving spirit, her strong, clever and sometimes stubborn personality that continued until her final days. She has left a strong legacy for her family that will be missed more than words can say.
Jean is survived by her daughter Kim Marcey (Mike Donohue), her son Lee Arnette, her Grandchildren: Derek Marcey, Rhiannon Marcey, Emily Donohue , Alex and Tyler Smith, Great-grandchildren: Tristen, Lola, and Kingston, her brother Roy Copeland & wife Joy, her adopted Clark family: Kathleen, Tommy, June, Elaine & Mark, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends but in particular her friend Judy Amidon.
Please remember to hold your loved ones close as even 95 years is not long enough.
Found and Sons Funeral Home, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA 22701 will be holding services on Thursday, June 29th as follows: 5-6 PM Family Time, 6-8 PM Friends and Guests with a traditional Episcopal Service. Father Michael Gray will be officiating.
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