Myrna McLain Arendale, 89, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025. She was born May 5, 1935, in Drew, Mississippi to parents James and Audrey McLain. She graduated from Drew High School and Drone's Business College. She excelled in a 30-year career at South Central Bell Telephone Co. (BellSouth and now AT&T) from operator to executive assistant. On December 24, 1955, she and Edward Owens Arendale married in the home of her parents in Parchman, Miss. Shortly after they moved to Jackson, Miss., for employment.
As a devoted daughter, mother and grandmother Myrna's unwavering faith guided her life. She led by example, volunteering at her church, serving as church secretary, pianist and organist. Myrna's greatest joy came from spending time with her family. Her kitchen was always open and her Sunday lunch pot roast was legendary. She enjoyed reading and was a crossword puzzle master. She loved babysitting and being a taxi driver on demand.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Audrey McLain; her husband of 40 years, Edward Owens Arendale; her brother, Gray McLain; son-in-law, William Lee Usry, Sr.; grandson, William Lee Usry, II, and Hugh Smith. Myrna is survived by her son, David Owens Arendale, Sr. (Evelyn); daughters, Carol Ann Arendale Walker (Curtis) and Donna Arendale Usry. She was "Mimi" to grandchildren David Owens Arendale II (Caitlin), Richard Owens Arendale (Brandi), Kristen Arendale (Greg), Thomas Walker, Sarah Walker Holt (Nathan), Cody Roberts (Heather); and great-grandchildren, Taylor Arendale, David Owens Arendale III (Dawson), Riley Arendale, Bella Mosely, Everett Arendale, Emma Kate Arendale, Zachariah Wayne Walker, Caleb Elijah Walker, Hamilton Hayes Holt (Tripp), Preston Roberts, Selah Roberts, Elizabeth Roberts, Adalynn Roberts and Madelyn Martin.
A celebration of life was held Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Colonial Chapel, Mendenhall, Miss., at 10 a.m. Visitation was held Friday, February 14, 2025, from 5 -8 p.m. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Villa South Assisted Living in Florence, Miss., for the outstanding love and care of Myrna for the last six years. Also, Compassus Hospice for their professional and compassionate care.
