​ARNELL BATY THOMPSON, sometimes called Mom, Nana or Nell by family and friends, was the fourth of five children born to Austin Henry Baty and Gladys Carter Baty on April 5, 1942.  She was a native of the Kirvin and Wortham communities of Freestone County, TX.

Her formal education began in the Wortham, TX public school system and she completed High School at Wortham High.   She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Southern University in Houston, TX in 1963 and a Master's degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA  in 1975.  She did further study at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA.

Arnell LOVED her profession as a teacher in elementary education.  She adopted the motto that "ALL CHILDREN CAN LEARN."  Her service extended from 1963 – 2003.  She taught in the Leon County and Lubbock public schools in Texas and the East Baton Rouge Parish schools in Louisiana.

​Arnell LOVED THE LORD!  Her spiritual journey began in childhood at the Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church in Kirvin, TX.  Her journey grew in each season of her life by uniting with the following fellowships:  Trinity Methodist in Houston (Young Adult), Greater King David Baptist in Baton Rouge (Adult), and Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist (Senior Adult) in Garland.  In addition to being an usher at Greater King David, she also directed the Cherubim Children's Choir for many, many years. Her ministries at Mt. Hebron included the Senior Adult Ministry, Spirit of Caleb Choir, Mass Choir, Genesis-of-Praise and Awana.

​She was an active advocate for her community.  She voluntarily taught reading and math skills to adults enrolled in the Literacy Instruction for Texans (LIFT) program in Dallas, TX.

​She leaves to cherish her memory two children: Genell Collier (Terence) and Genva Gene Thompson; two bonus daughters:  Yonilda Varner and Kewanda Thompson; three grandsons:  Austin, Alex and Adam; one brother:  Lee Wilton Baty (Nedra); one sister: Peggy Waddleton; nieces who argue over who was her favorite, nephews and a host of other beloved family member and friends.

Memorial service will be 11:00AM Monday, January 15, 2024 at Williams Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior. Interment will immediately follow at Garland Memorial Park.