Jolinda Arrington

Jolinda Goolsby “Jody” Arrington went to be with the Lord on January 29, 2019. Jody was born on November 27, 1930 to Edra (Herrin) and Oscar K. Goolsby in Waldron, Arkansas. When she was 9 years old, she lost her mother to tuberculosis. A few years later, her father and uncles joined the Navy to serve in WWII after their brother Clyde was taken prisoner by the Japanese. During the war, Jody and her younger brother were raised by their grandparents and aunt. She graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1949 and attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) University. Jody enjoyed bowling and dancing in her younger years. After moving to Arlington in 1958, she and her new neighbors formed a bridge group and continued playing together for 60 years. She created so many wonderful memories for her children and grandchildren and taught them the importance of respecting nature and cherishing animals. She started her local garden club and was a very active gardener for several years. Some of her favorites were the Peace Rose and her beautiful gardenia bushes that bloomed year after year, sometimes out of season. Jody also loved birds. Neighbors and friends brought injured or abandoned birds to her, and she would nurse them until they could be released in her backyard. Jody was a big Texas Rangers fan and kept detailed stats of every Rangers ball game for over 40 years. She kept sharp in her later years by doing crossword and Sudoku puzzles and playing various versions of solitaire and dealing herself bridge hands. She was an excellent cook and was especially known among her family and friends for her culinary skill and creativity, including a wide assortment of Christmas cookies and candy. Her house was known in the neighborhood as the "Horn of Plenty". She sewed beautiful dresses for her daughter for many years as well as clothing and coats for her sons and grandchildren. She also made stunning hand-beaded Christmas ornaments that were one of a kind. Jody was a placement specialist for many years and opened her own placement agency. She was recognized by many national companies including the Phillip Morris Group and Miller Brewing Company. Her work ethic was as solid as it gets; she worked full-time into her 70s. She was resilient and strong in her opinions. Her faith and strength came from her foundation in Christ and the importance of family. She cherished her friends and family, especially her six grandchildren. Jody is survived by her sons Gene, Jr., Jeff (Jane) and Gary, daughter Diane, grandchildren Adam, Amelia, Evan, Isabelle, Elliot and Emerson, brother Oscar K. (“Okie”) Goolsby, Jr., his children Grant (Krista) Goolsby and Gay Lynn (Ken) Clyde, and their children. Please join us in a service to celebrate Jody's life on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington with visitation on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. also at Wade Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local ASPCA. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233