Harriet A. Arnold, 70, Teacher

Mrs. Arnold was born in Linden, NJ on July 3, 1937, the daughter of the late Eugene and Helen (Dobbins) Chapman. She graduated from Linden High School in Linden, NJ and received her bachelor's degree in English from Oberlin College in 1971 with the support of a Danforth Fellowship. Her Master's degree in American Studies was awarded by Case Western Reserve University in 1974. She also enrolled in further graduate courses at Bowling Green State University and Kent State University.

She taught in the Oberlin City Schools for many years and the Oberlin College Upward Bound Program before retiring from Lorain City Schools. Prior to coming to Oberlin, Mrs. Arnold worked for the US Post Office and a major African-American owned insurance company.

She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Oberlin. She also played the organ and piano for many years in Rust Methodist Church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church both in Oberlin and St. Matthews AME Church in Lorain.

A community activist, Mrs. Arnold was a co-founder of the Oberlin Early Childhood Center (with the support of the Nord Foundation) and served on the Oberlin City Council from 1980 to 1989. She served as Council Chairperson and Mayor from 1984-5.

A delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1984, Mrs. Arnold's memberships and affiliations included the AKA Sorority, NAACP, Urban League, Leadership Lorain, Lorain Education Association, Ohio Teacher's Association and NEA. Mrs. Arnold was a Charter Member of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs and was an early recipient of their Sojourner Truth Award. She had a strong interest in Oberlin's Asian Studies program and traveled to Japan in 1985.

Mrs. Arnold is loved and remembered by her three daughters Mercia E. Arnold of Washington, DC., Regina I.A. Mullen of Redmond, WA, Christina A. Arnold of Raleigh, NC., grandson William Brice, granddaughters Cottia A. and Christina Aaliyah A. Arnold, a God-daughter Caroline (Jones) Hubbell, sisters Dorothy Petersen, Helen Franklin both of Linden, NJ., brothers Tommy Chapman, James Chapman both of Linden, NJ., Louis Chapman of Richmond, VA., many nieces and nephews, dear friends and loved ones.

In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by a sister Florene Ford, brothers Leon Chapman and Stanley Chapman.

A Memorial Service in celebration of Mrs. Arnold's life will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 1:00 PM in the Christ Episcopal Church, 161 S. Main Street, Oberlin, Ohio 44074, with Father Brian K. Wilbert, rector, welcoming Mrs. Arnold home. Interment will be in the church columbarium.

The family are thankful for any contributions made on Mrs. Arnold's honor to the Christ Episcopal Church, Community Fund, 161 S. Main Street, Oberlin, Ohio 44074.

Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain is handling the arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at Boyer & Cool and Harriet's Place.