Celebration of Life
Estella Speed Arnold January 18, 1933 – May 21, 2025
May 30, 2025 2:00 PM Mt. Zion Baptist Church 206 Zion St, Belton, SC 29627
Kenneth A. Dean, Senior Pastor
2:00 PM
Mommy, with your gentle hand, You built a home, a loving land. We watched you go through many trials. With God’s help you endured them all. And the radiant light of your love now helps us stand up tall.
Love you forever, Desiree & Robert
Order of Service
Officiant : Pastor Curtis Johnson Valley Brook Outreach Baptist Church
Processiona l
Final Viewing for the Family
Congregational Selection
This Joy that I Have
Old Testament New Testament
Minister Shannon Johnson Minister Latasha Elliott
Prayer of Comfor t
Dr. Felicia Speed
Selection
Music Ministry of Mount Zion Baptist Church
Reflections
Deaconess Lelar Black Deaconess Jean T. Holloway
Reflections from the Family
Acknowledgements of Cards and Condolences Reading of Estella Speed Arnold - A Radiant Light of Love (silent reading)
Selection
Eulogy
Pastor Kenneth Dean Mount Zion Baptist Church
Recessional
Interment
Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery
Daughter – Sister - Wife
This JOY that I have, the world didn’t give it to me!
Estella Speed Arnold A Radiant Light of Love "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Mark 5:16
The name Estella originates from the Spanish word estrella , meaning “star.” Rich in historical and cultural significance, it evokes images of beauty and brightness—two qualities that so perfectly describe Estella Speed Arnold. Her beauty transcended the physical, radiating from a spirit rooted in faith and a life dedicated to service—service to her family, her church, and her community. Her love for God was the source of her inner light, a light that shone brightly in all she did. Estella Speed Arnold was born in Anderson County on January 18, 1933, to the late Robert Jehue Speed and Geneva Gilliard. She was one of five siblings—Walter Speed, Samuel Speed, Hosea Speed, Sr. and Tecora Giles—all of whom preceded her in death. It was in Anderson that Estella’s spark was first lit, inspired by her grandmother’s example of compassion and care: visiting the sick, tidying homes, and preparing meals for mothers in need. These early lessons shaped her lifelong commitment to helping others. Educated in the Anderson County public school system, Estella later moved to New York, where she pursued her passion for uplifting women. She earned her cosmetology license from The Apex School of Beauty and Culture and went on to style hair both professionally and from her home. It was also in New York that she met and married the love of her life, the late Reverend Jesse Arnold, Jr., on May 20, 1956. Estella’s radiance continued to grow as she became the First Lady of Crossroad Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY, founded by Rev. Jesse Arnold, Jr. She nurtured a powerful prayer ministry and led with quiet strength and grace. Following her grandmother’s example, she faithfully visited the sick—whether in hospitals or in their homes—bringing comfort and hope. With the birth of her daughter Desiree, Estella embraced the role of mother—a role she later expanded to include cherished friendship. The arrival of her son Robert completed the family, at least until grandchildren brought new light into her life. After her son’s birth, Estella began a long and successful career as a Supervisor at Bell Telephone Company (now Verizon) in Brooklyn, New York, where she worked for over 25 years. After twenty-eight years of ministry at Crossroad Baptist Church, Estella and Jesse returned to her hometown of Anderson, South Carolina, where they purchased a home and became devoted members of the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Belton, South Carolina. Estella served in many roles within the church community, including the Missionary Ministry, Sunday School, the Deaconess Ministry, and the Mass Choir. She also continued her ministry of prayer and was affectionately known as “Mother Arnold.” Additionally, she taught Bible study on various occasions, always eager to share and reflect on the Word of God. In all that she did, it was her heartfelt desire to strengthen the faith of others. Estella cherished time with her family, finding deep joy in their presence and holding a special place in her heart for the Gilliard reunions. Whenever she was surrounded by loved ones, her light seemed to shine even brighter—her warmth, laughter, and radiant spirit illuminating every space she entered. Even in her later years, she began to reap from the seeds of care that had been sown, especially from her son Robert who cared for her daily. At the age of 92 Estella Speed Arnold entered eternal rest on Wednesday. May 21, 2025, at the Callie and John Rainey Hospice House, Anderson, SC following a brief illness. She leaves to carry her radiant light: one daughter, Desiree L. Jones (Nathan) of Linden, NJ; one son, Robert I. Arnold (Dana) of Anderson, SC; six grandsons: Nathaniel (Amber) Jones, Jason (Marquia) Jones, Nicholas (Leah) Jones, Jonathan (LaChina) Jones, Robert I. Arnold, Jr., Ryan D. Arnold; one granddaughter, Danae K. Arnold; five great-grandchildren: Arayah Arnold, Ashton Arnold, Kristan Arnold, Mason Jones and Jaxon Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a beloved community of faith.
Aunt Estella There are no words to express A woman who is one of a kind Estella is her name God purposed her by design Solomon describes her as virtuous Her price far above rubies Titus describes her as holiness In her wisdom you find her beauty But to her nieces and her nephews She is special in our eyes For she has taught us to true love That in God one should abide
She radiates a sense of people With the essence of joy in her smile Always giving encouraging words Reminding us that we’re here only for a little while
Always willing to testify Of how good God has been to her Being a redeemer and a provider A faithful friend and a healer
We thank God for our Aunt Estella On all of us her imprint can be seen Each of our lives are just a little sweeter If you ever meet her, you will see what we mean
Love,
Your Nieces and Nephews
We take this opportunity to thank everyone for your prayers of support and comfort during this difficult time. Our mom, grandmother, and auntie was a special woman of God who loved people everywhere. We are grateful for her life and the legacy that we will carry on until the Lord calls us home. Continue to pray for us in the days to come. Be assured that according to Jeremiah 29:11 – God knows what He is doing. He has it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
Special Acknowledgement
Weekly Care Services provided by Mainstream Rehabilitation Services of Anderson, SC The John Rainie Hospice House, Anderson, SC Care Team at the AnMed Hospital, Anderson, SC
Pall Bearers
Floral Bearers
Pall Bearers Robert Arnold, Jr. Nicholas Jones Jason Jones Jonathan Jones
Mt. Zion Baptist Church Deaconess Board Mt. Zion Baptist Church Missionary Board
Interment – Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery
Funeral Services Provided By
Holloways Funeral Home
Locations: Belton and Anderson, SC
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