Jacquelyn Kay Arrington

Jacquelyn Kay Arrington, age, 74, of Urbana, OH, beloved wife, mother, Mamaw, sister, and friend, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 5, 2025. She was born on March 17, 1951, in Neptune, Kentucky, to Melvin Douglas Dye and Leona Frances Dye (Jones). She was the second-born in a slew of siblings.

She met the love of her life, Archie, at the local Frisch’s in Xenia, Ohio, when she was just 17 years old. As the story is told, she couldn’t jump into the back of his convertible fast enough. A few weeks after high school graduation in 1969, they tied the knot. He was her rock and soulmate for life. Married for 56 years, they shared a love story many only dream of—an unbreakable bond through all of life’s challenges and the true meaning of for better or worse.

Jackey’s pride and joy was her daughter and only child, Shawn. She loved being a mother, and anyone who knew her quickly learned how deeply she adored Shawn and her two grandchildren, Avery and Jake. It was common to catch her gushing about them with a huge smile on her face. She spent countless days at ball fields, dance recitals, and cheer competitions.

Known affectionately as “Jackey,” she worked at McLaughlin Jewelers for 15 years before becoming the Director of the Urbana Champaign County Senior Center, where she served until her retirement in 2013. In her role as director, she advocated passionately for Champaign County seniors at both the local and state levels. She also enjoyed coordinating and accompanying seniors on memorable trips to wonderful destinations, including a cherished bucket-list journey to Ireland.

A ten-year cancer survivor, Jackey was a true fighter, strong, honest, and joyfully witty. When she and her brothers gathered, laughter was guaranteed. She was everyone’s biggest

cheerleader, always encouraging others with her kindness, humor, and unwavering faith. Her beautiful smile and bright spirit made her a shining light to all who knew her. Jackey loved the Lord deeply and lived each day with grace, compassion, and gratitude.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, David Archie Arrington; daughter, Shawn Weiss of Galena, Ohio; granddaughter, Avery DeVol; grandson, Jake DeVol; brothers Mike (Mary) Dye, Jerry (Shirley) Dye, Steve Dye, Ronald Dye, and Tony Dye; sister Diane (Milton) Cowell; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and bonus grandchildren, whom she adored.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Lisa.

A visitation and Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Walter & Lewis Funeral Home, 642 S. Main Street, Urbana, Ohio. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 1:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may also be made in Jackey’s memory to Grace Baptist Church, 960 Children’s Home Road, Urbana, OH 43078.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.walterfunerals.com