Barbara Jean Roark Arnold

Barbara Jean Roark Arnold, age 79 of Jefferson, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025 at Wilkes Senior Village. She was born in Ashe County, North Carolina on December 12, 1945 to the late James Kelly and Hazel Blanche Testerman Roark. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband, James Delmar Arnold, daughter, Amy Lee Arnold, and infant sister Mable Christine Roark.

Barbara spent her early years growing up in East Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from Shaw High School before returning to North Carolina in 1964.

Barbara attended Mount Jefferson Baptist Church and Ben Bolen Baptist Church, where she found great comfort and community. She was deeply devoted to her family and cherished every moment spent watching her nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews grow and flourish.

A wonderful gardener, Barbara loved tending to her flowers and creating a beautiful garden space. Her loving, gentle care brought joy not only to her garden but to all who knew her.

Barbara’s warmth, kindness, and love for life touched the hearts of many. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends who were blessed to share in her life.

Mrs. Arnold is survived by one brother, James Melvin Roark and wife, Linda of Dayton, Ohio, one sister, Paula Perry and husband, Lamon of West Jefferson, niece, Lesley Weber, Lisa Flood and Kimberly Williams

nephews, Kelly Joe Perry and Jared Perry and great-nieces, Megan Weber, Whitney Weber, Kailey Greene, Karlie Perry and Sydney Perry, Great nephews, Cameron Flood and Carter Willians.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. James Roark. Private burial will take place in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends following the funeral.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Wilkes Senior Village; 204 Old Brickyard Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.