Sylvia Ann Stewart Arnold

Sylvia Ann Stewart Arnold, known affectionately as "Ann," passed away peacefully at the age of 84, on January 23, 2025, at Lucy Corr Assisted Living, where she had recently resided. She was one of six children born to Sappony parents, Numond Stewart and Lois Pearl Coleman, on October 16, 1940, in Holloways, North Carolina. Sylvia grew up in High Plains, North Carolina, a community rich in faith, family values, and hard work. She helped her family raise tobacco, and being the oldest she helped with her siblings. She graduated from High Plains Indian School in 1959. After graduation, she moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Later she moved to Richmond, Virginia, where she made her home.

She enjoyed talking about the bygone days of the community she grew up in, which included the remedies for treating ailments or recipes, and even events from past generations. She retired from the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, through the State of Virginia. After retirement, she worked for Sussex I State Prison in a federal capacity. When she retired for the second time, she was able to enjoy her dogs. Sylvia had a love for dogs, from Ivan, the "snake killer" alias (Bullyaka), to Elly, the biggest of her dog companions. Elly didn't miss a trip, as her ride or die, when she went to Chick-fil-A or to her church events. The last dog to share her life was Katy and it was nothing to find Katy snuggled in bed with her.

Sylvia's love for Jesus was apparent and her life reflected that love. She attended Varina Baptist, where she enjoyed worship, prayer, fellowship, and many outings with her beloved church family. When she was younger, she held committee positions in the Warwick Women's Club, which was a community outreach volunteer organization. She volunteered to read books and wrote letters for the wounded Vietnam soldiers at McGuire Veterans Hospital. This was while her brothers were fighting in the Vietnam War. Her volunteerism did not stop there, after she retired, she volunteered as a Baby Cuddler at Chippenham Hospital, where she held premature babies to increase their survival probability. She was faithful to give blood to the American Red Cross, and she donated to the SPCA along with many other charities. Helping others reflected her compassionate nature.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Arnold; and her brother, Richard Stewart. She leaves behind her daughter, Debra Paschall Crouch (Steven); stepsons, Christopher Arnold (Silvana) and Robert Arnold (Roscobella); her brother, Sonny Stewart (Cheryl); her sisters, Cheryl Walker, Glenna Cullen, and Gail Gold (Harold). Sylvia is survived by seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and many good friends who will hold her memory dear.

The visitation will take place at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 1:30 pm. Visitation will be followed by a celebration of life at 2:30 pm. The inurnment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Varina Baptist Church (checks can be written to Varina Baptist Church, 8090 Varina Road, Henrico, VA 23231) or the Richmond SPCA. Credit or debit card donations can be made via www.richmondspca.org, under the donate tab. Checks can be mailed to Richmond SPCA, 2519 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA 23220, in honor of Sylvia Arnold.