Carolyn was born on April 12, 1944 and was raised in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. She was the oldest child of Edwin and Esther Johnston. She graduated from Powell Valley High School and attended Lincoln Memorial University before marrying and moving to Florida. She later graduated from St Leo University.
It was in the Methodist Youth Fellowship that she met her husband Mike Arnold, they were married on February 14, 1963 in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. They were married for 40 years until his death in 2003.
Carolyn and Mike moved to New Port Richey, Florida in October of 1965 when Mike got a job at West Pasco Hospital (now Morton Plant: Northbay) Carolyn worked for Dr. Hubbard until the birth of her first child.
Carolyn later worked at Wee Wisdom and then at Youth and Family Alternatives until her retirement.
Carolyn was member of First United Methodist Church for 58 years.
Carolyn is survived by her daughter Michelle Arnold of New Port Richey and her son and son-in-law Joe Arnold and Scott Cooper of Washington, DC. And by her siblings Jackie Barton (Dillard), Patty Warf (Tony), Ed Johnston (Linda), Gerry (Melesia) as well as beloved nieces and nephews.
First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey
Mike L.
October 30, 2024, 1:52 pm
My thoughts and prayers for Michelle, Joe and Scott. So sorry for your loss.
David
October 30, 2024, 2:19 pm
It’s a sad day when a lovely, kind, caring person leaves this earth, and that’s how it is with Carolyn’s departure from us. I’ve been friends with her daughter for many years and have had the pleasure of getting to know Carolyn as well. Over the years we have spent quite a few Thanksgiving dinners together (always very tasty), a few Christmas Eves and some fun road trips, including back to her home town in Cumberland Gap. You could really feel the Christ in this woman whenever you were in her presence. She has left a wake of giving and love throughout her time here. So, to Michelle and Joe and the rest who love her, I know there’s a bit of a vacuum now and I am truly sorry for your loss.
Kathy Campbell
October 31, 2024, 3:06 am
My name is Kathy Bricker Campbell, Carolyn’s parents purchased my childhood home from my. Dad. I only met Carolyn a few times when she would come home to Cumberland Gap for a visit. She was a lot like her sweet Mother. I pray that God wraps his arms around her children and siblings and comfort them during their time of grief.
Dianna Snyder Hopson
October 31, 2024, 2:57 pm
Carolyn and Mike were childhood friends of mine with lots of fun memories of MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) meetings. The little Methodist church in the Gap gave us lots of memories of Christmas pageants, Sunday School picnics, as well as MYF activities and outings.
Carolyn and I went to Cumberland Gap Elementary School and lived across the road from each other after the family moved into the house on 25E, the highway leading into the Gap from the north side. Mike lived in Virginia, and because the Johnston family didn’t have a phone at that time, when Mike needed to reach Carolyn, he called our number and I would yell across the road for Carolyn to come to our phone.
Carolyn was also a member of our Girl Scout troop in the Gap. We enjoyed many scouting activities and outings together.
Rest peacefully, sweet friend. My condolences to the family.
Jan Nickols
November 1, 2024, 2:13 am
My thoughts and prayers go out to Michelle, Joe and Scott. Your mom was a special person who radiated her love for her family to all who knew her. She was so proud of you.