Emmett Arnold, Jr.

Emmett Arnold, Jr., was born in Lexa, Arkansas on March 26, 1950, to the union of Elder Emmett Arnold and Juanita Billingsley Arnold. He was the fifth child born out of twelve, six boys and six girls. 

His father, Elder Emmett Arnold, mother, Juanita Billingsley Arnold, and brother, Preston Arnold, all preceded him in death. 

The Arnold family relocated from Lexa, Arkansas to St. Louis, Missouri in 1952. 

Emmett Arnold, Jr., was educated in the St. Louis Public School System and went to Soldan High School. He was raised in the church and accepted Christ in his life at an early age. He later joined New Life Outreach Ministries Church in St. Louis, under the leadership of Pastor Linda Boyd. 

Emmett, who was affectionately known as “Lil-June”, had a special bond with his brothers and sisters and took pleasure wearing the title of Big Brother. Emmett had a big heart and was always willing to help others, from buffing and detailing your car to giving you tips on how to dress. 

In 1967, Emmett met and married Evelyn Jean Davis. To this union, one child was born, Emmett Arnold III. Emmett relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1972, after the death of his oldest brother, Preston Arnold, which was a move that his wife did not want to make. 

There he met and married Theresa Ferguson Morton, and to this union, a daughter, LaToya, was born. Later, he met Estrellia Parker in 1979 along with her daughter, Sonja Hampton, whom he lived with, raised, and loved as his own for over 30 years. 

Emmett worked various jobs, including at A.L. Smith Steel with his uncle, Sam, but he found great joy in working for the city of Milwaukee in the Water and Sewage Department for nearly 30 years until he retired. 

It was a pleasure knowing that he was home visiting his large family in St. Louis, and we could always count on him to cook one of his specialties, homemade dumplings along with his Mexican cornbread. 

Emmett transitioned from this life on Friday, October 11, 2019, at Aurora St. Lukes Medical Center in Milwaukee Wisconsin. 

He leaves to cherish his memories: three children, Emmett Arnold III of St. Louis, MO and LaToya (Demonn) Williams and Sonja Hamilton of Milwaukee, WI; four granddaughters, Autumn Arnold, Angie Arnold, and Randa Skaggs, all of St. Louis, MO, and Emily Williams of Milwaukee, WI; two grandsons, Eric Arnold and Cameron Arnold, both of St. Louis, MO; special companion for over 30 years, Estrellia Parker of Milwaukee, WI; six sisters, Minnie (Thurston) Rogers of Detroit, MI, Louie Lee Hobbs of El Paso, Texas, Mary Arnold and Barbara Harris, both of St. Paul, MN, Hartense Arnold of Tampa, FL, and Jeannette Arnold of St. Paul, MN; four brothers, Samuel Arnold of Milwaukee, WI, Steven W. (Sabrena) Arnold, Calvin (Linda) Arnold, and Melvin (LaRita) Arnold of St. Louis, MO; two aunts, Charlotte Arnold and Pearl Brantley, both of Detroit, MI; and a host of nephews and nieces.

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