It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Geneva Frances Arrendale-Walker of Dalton, GA — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
What follows is not the whole story, but a thread of it.
A parent's life is measured, in part, by the lives she shaped.
Geneva Frances Arrendale-Walker, a beloved mother, caregiver, and cherished member of the Dalton community, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at Regency Park Assisted Living. Born on February 8, 1935, in Dalton, Georgia, Geneva’s life was a profound testament to love, dedication, and warmth, leaving behind a legacy that touched all who knew her.Geneva devoted much of her professional life as a custodian for the East Side School System, where her quiet diligence and caring spirit were appreciated by students and staff alike. Yet, her true calling was being a loving mother. Known fondly as the "I love you Lady" at Regency Park, she radiated kindness and affection wherever she went, enveloping everyone around her with unconditional love. To her, family was everything, and she took immense joy and pride in nurturing and guiding her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.Geneva is lovingly remembered by her sons, James Arrendale (and his wife, Beverly),and Bobby Arrendale. Her daughters, Bertha Clarke, Fostene Wimpy (and her husband Calvin), Shontene Belcher (and her husband Darrell), Nina Williams, Ann Jerrell, Sarah Delaney (and her husband Chuck) and Wanda Howell (and her husband Rick), stand as a testament to her enduring love and strength. She is also survived by her brothers, Jacob Hughes and Edward Hughes, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who carry forward the warmth and compassion she instilled in them.Her journey through life was marked by enduring relationships and heartfelt connections. Geneva was preceded in death by her parents, John Nelson Hughes and Annie Mae Crider-Hughes; her first husband, Bob Arrendale; her second husband, Albert Walker; her children Jessie and Holly Arrendale; as well as seven brothers and seven sisters, whose memories she cherished deeply.Family, friends, and community members are invited to honor Geneva’s life through a visitation held at Dalton Funeral Home, located at 620 S Glenwood Ave, Dalton, GA 30721, on May 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow on May 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at The Church of God of the Union Assembly, 2211 S Dixie Hwy, Dalton, GA 30720. Burial will follow at West Hill Cemetery, with Dewight Lawson, Corey Wimpy, Zach Holcomb, Blake Belcher, Taylor Belcher, and Bobby Williams serving as pallbearers.Geneva Frances Arrendale-Walker's spirit will forever be remembered, a loving mother who gave selflessly, a community member who cared deeply, and an "I love you Lady" who made the world a kinder place simply by being there. May her memory be a blessing and a source of comfort to all who loved her.Visit the online obituary www.dalton-funeral-home.com to post tributes and share memories.Arrangements have been entrusted to independently owned and operated Dalton Funeral Home, 620 S. Glenwood Avenue, Dalton, GA 30721.
