Mrs. Essie (Crawford) Arnold, 81, of Harrisburg departed this life Monday, December 5, 2016 at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. She was born in Vanndale, Arkansas on July 27, 1935 the daughter of William Ivy and Rosalee (Rooks) Crawford. Miss Essie Crawford married Mr. Donald Eugene Arnold on September 4, 1954 and they enjoyed forty-nine years of marriage before his death in 2003. Essie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers: W. I., Evan, and Gerald Crawford and one sister, Josephine Edwards. Essie was always active in her life: she worked many years as City Clerk and Treasurer in the city of Harrisburg, and worked in the Poinsett County Circuit Clerk’s office for years. She was very active as a lifelong member at the First Baptist Church in Harrisburg serving in many church positions there and recently a member of Windover Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Essie was a founding member and past president of the Mother’s Club in Harrisburg, a member of EHC-Lucky 13 Club, worked diligently in the Festival on The Ridge, and also at Parker’s Homestead. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and cooking…..known for her fried pies. Spending time with her friends, her church family, and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the highlight of her days. Essie is survived by: one son, Landis Tyler “Tye” Arnold of Orlando, Florida, three daughters: Donnita (Buddy) Hosman of Jonesboro, Fonda Eaton and Lana Farmer both of Harrisburg, four brothers: Rodney Crawford of Nesbitt, Mississippi, Reginald and Donnie both of Harrisburg, and Sidney Crawford of Jonesboro, two sisters: Francis Emmons of Union City, Missouri and Nona Bonham of Jonesboro, eight grandchildren: Micah Parks Crews, Natalie Eaton Jarrett, Mallory Long, Daniel Hosman, Donald Hosman, Brody Eaton, Mitchell Eaton, Suzette Hosman Pickle, and twelve great-grandchildren. Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 9, 2016 at Jackson’s Funeral Home with Visitation Thursday from 6:00~8:00 p.m. Bro. Jerry Kausler and Bro. Winfred Bridges will conduct the services and five grandsons along with Chris Crews, Sid Pickle, and Tim Jarrett will serve as active pallbearers. Interment will be in Harrisburg Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Jackson’s Funeral Home.