Dr. Gwendolyn Beasley Arnold went to be with her heavenly Father Sunday evening, July 19, 2026, at the age of 97.
Gwendolyn Arnold was the daughter of the late Mai Williams Beasley and Alton Beasley. Her husband was the late Claude Jarman Arnold. She was also preceded in death by infant granddaughter Joanna Lauren Arnold.
Survivors are Son, Jay Arnold (Corinne); Daughter Sherry Woods (Tony); Grandchildren: Wesley Arnold, Christopher Arnold, Daphne Petre (Daniel), Anthony Woods (Allison) and great grandchild Emma Petre.
Dr. Arnold retired from the Metro Nashville School System as a media specialist and teacher of the gifted and talented. Known by her peers in education as as “Dr. Gwen” she was her school’s Teacher of the Year in 1981.
A former resident of Shelbyville, TN., she graduated from Shelbyville Central High School in 1947, as the class valedictorian. While in high school, she was active and served as an officer in many organizations. She served as a class officer her junior and senior years, a member of the student council, a staff member of the school yearbook, and senior superlative prettiest girl. She received her B.S., M.Ed., and Ed.S. degrees from MTSU, Murfreesboro, TN. While at MTSU she was recognized for her academic accomplishments by being one of the two juniors selected into Phi Sigma Beta Scholarship Society in 1957. She was also among those honored at a special dinner given by the MTSU Association of University Professors as one of the top twelve academic graduates in the class of 1958. She received a Ph.D. degree from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN in 1981.
A member of First Baptist Church since 1966, she taught in Church Training and assisted in the church library for many years. She was an active member of First Baptist Round Table 2 Mission Group for many years.
As a career educator, Dr. Arnold had a passion for teaching children, promoting professional and personal growth of women educators and enhancing the quality of education. Active in professional organizations, she was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She served as chapter president of Alpha Nu Chapter, Nashville, and Beta Epsilon Chapter, Murfreesboro and chaired several state committees. While serving as the Xi State First Vice President and later as a state Area Director she traveled across the state and visited many chapters as their guest speaker. She was honored by the four Nashville chapters in receiving the Distinguished Service
to Education Award. She was also honored by the Murfreesboro Beta Epsilon Chapter as the author of an article published in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International professional journal, “The Bulletin.” She and eleven other Delta Kappa Gamma members from across Tennessee were honored at a special ceremony, the Order of the Rose, at the 2010 state convention. This ceremony recognizes distinguished members who have made significant contributions to education and their community.
She was a member of the Metro Nashville Retired Teachers Association. A member of the Murfreesboro Lioness Club, she served as president and in numerous other offices.
As a member of the Murfreesboro Woman’s Club, she enjoyed presenting book reviews at various times. During her years of retirement, she traveled extensively, enjoyed her bridge clubs, and attended the yearly Adventures in Learning Program where she also gave book reviews. She valued her longtime friendships with high school, college, and fellow educators. She led a full life, but her greatest joy was the time spent with her family and grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, July 26th, at Feldhaus-Gowen-Smith Chapel, 850 Union Street, Shelbyville TN. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. in the chapel with Brother Michael Park officiating. Interment will follow in Willow Mount Cemetery.
Feldhaus-Gowen-Smith Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Dr. Gwendolyn Beasley Arnold.
