Gay Nell Arrington, a dedicated and fiercely loving daughter, mother, and nurse, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 6th, 2024, at the age of 76. Gay Nell was born October 23, 1947, in Wichita Falls, Texas. She dedicated her life to compassionately caring for patients as a registered nurse of 40 years, raising her daughter, and singing praises to the Lord. She brought love, kindness, laughter, and joy to the lives of all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

As a daughter of a Navy-man, throughout her life, Gay Nell lived in various places, including Kodiak, Alaska; Bremerton, Washington; and Alameda and San Diego, California. Each new location brought fresh experiences and opportunities for her to connect with others and make a positive impact on those around her.

From a young age, Gay Nell had a natural ability to take charge and ensure everyone around her was having a great time. As a child, she often orchestrated "shows" for other children in their apartment complex, where she and her siblings would wear costumes and lip-sync to music.

This innate talent for bringing people together and creating moments of happiness would prove to be a defining characteristic throughout her life in both her personal and professional relationships.

While growing up in San Diego, she accepted an invitation to attend a nearby church. With her ability to lead and inspire others, it wasn't long after that her siblings and parents followed, resulting in her entire family becoming followers of Jesus.

Throughout her life, Gay Nell's faith continued to impact many people. After graduating from Midwestern State University in 1982 as a Registered Nurse, she provided compassionate care and spiritual comfort to her patients and fellow nurses for four decades. Though she is famed in many fields of nursing, her true calling was psychiatry nursing. Her caring nature and tough yet gentle demeanor allowed her to provide exceptional care and comfort to countless patients. At one point in her career, while in San Francisco, she served as the personal nurse to the notorious criminal Charles Manson. While others were afraid of him, Gay Nell remained steadfast in her commitment to providing care. She would smile, pray, and sing hymns over him while attending to his needs.

Outside of nursing, Gay Nell found immense joy in creating unforgettable memories with her daughter, Megan, sharing adventures around the world. Among their favorite destinations was the island of Kauai, Hawaii, which Gay Nell affectionately called her "second home." She also loved leading chapel services at Faith Mission alongside Megan, combining her passion for faith, singing, and playing piano.

Gay Nell is now reunited in Heaven with her mother and father, Willard Lewis Arrington Sr. and Gwendolyn L. Arrington; her nephew, Christopher Ireland; and her niece, Tammy Stewart.

She leaves behind a loving family who will carry on her legacy, including her daughter, Megan G. Arrington; her siblings, Willard L. Arrington Jr., Geneva W. Stewart, and Genevieve L. Halcomb; as well as nieces and nephews Adam, Lewis, Kaylin, Colt, Kami and Breanna, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

A celebration of her extraordinary life will be held on Wednesday, April 10th at 11am at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home to remember Gay Nell Arrington, with a visitation preceding at 10am. We invite all who knew and loved her to attend and share in the joy of her life and the love she spread to so many.

Though we mourn her passing, we find comfort in knowing Gay Nell's legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched. We are assured that she is now in the Lord's presence, worshiping face to face.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Royal Estates of Wichita Falls and Hospice of Wichita Falls, and Best Care Health Services for the extraordinary care and compassion they showed Gay Nell during her final years and days. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for her provided immense comfort to both Gay Nell and her loved ones. The kindness and support demonstrated by these remarkable caregivers will never be forgotten and will always be appreciated.