Nathalie Carol Spears Arnold

Nathalie Carol Spears Arnold, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend, unexpectantly passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 87 in Tyler, Texas. Born on January 10, 1938, in Flushing, Michigan to Leota and Marvin Spears. Nathalie spent her childhood years in Michigan. At 18 she began married life with husband Lloyd E. Arnold and moved to Ohio. A few years later the family of seven relocated to Richardson, Texas where she was a housewife and mom to her five children. Nathalie’s love of people and others was expressed as a devoted girl scout leader, and as a good neighbor by organizing block parties. 

As her children grew older, she began working outside the home. A few of her favorite positions included working in the school cafeteria and driving a school bus. As a bus driver for the Kilgore Independent School District, she enjoyed greeting the children before and after school. After retiring, she volunteered at First Baptist Church of Douglass by arranging flowers, decorating for events, and preparing Wednesday night meals for the youth group. She volunteered at the Douglass Food Pantry.

Nathalie enjoyed entertaining. She loved nothing more than hosting gatherings for her friends and family. The hit of every event was Nathalie’s pies and a friendly game of dominos or cards. She also had an eye for design and loved sharing her creative talents with others. 

Nathalie’s pride and joy was always her family. She is survived by her daughters, Ginger (Craig) Benedict, Natalie (Jude) Dubois, Sherry (Kenneth) Hager, and Amy (David) Mallory, and her son Randy (Irene) Arnold. She adored her grandchildren: Chad Benedict, Christopher (Jessica) Clark, Dustin (Cera) Benedict, Brooke Benedict, Jordan (Kristi) Dubois, Jacob Dubois, Jason Dubois, Kristina Hager (Jean Krejca) Hager, Stacey (Adam) Branson, Robert Mallory, Alyssa (Brandon) Bush, Andrew (Bailey Bowyer) Arnold, and Avery Arnold. Nathalie was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren: Vivian Clark, Callen Clark, Emma Benedict, Blake Benedict, Cooper Benedict, Kinsley Dubois, Judson Dubois, Kambry Dubois, Jace Dubois, Jay Krejca, Max Krejca, Violet Branson, Henry Branson, Ava Pearl Branson, and Anna Leigh Bush. She is also survived by her brother, Duane (Nancy) Spears and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nathalie was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd Arnold, her parents, Marvin and Leota Spears, her brother Leroy Spears, and her nephew, Jason Spears. Their memories will forever remain in the hearts of her family and loved ones.

A memorial service to celebrate Nathalie’s life will be held on March 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Douglass. 15122 TX 121, Douglass, TX 75943. Memorials may be sent in Nathalie’s memory to First Baptist Church – Food Pantry Ministry.

Nathalie’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to her family and community will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. 

The family is especially grateful for the care provided by Peggy Woodard, Traci Benge, DPS, First Responders, Life Flight, and the emergency staff and doctors at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital and UT Health in Tyler. Their compassion and support during this time will never be forgotten.

Donations in memory of Nathalie Arnold can be given to The First Baptist Church of Douglass and the Douglass Food Pantry.