Obituaries

Linda Ann Arnold-Holyfield, 87, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away Thursday, June 29, 2023 after an extended illness.

She was born December 25, 1935 in Marion County, a daughter of the late James Albert Arnold and Gernie Belle Helmick-Arnold, both of Carolina WV and formerly Braxton County, WV.

Linda attended Shiloh Baptist Church in Carolina and later Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Clarksburg. She graduated from Dunbar High School in Fairmont WV, then later moved to Clarksburg to start a new life with her husband, Charles Holyfield. She was a homemaker and mother first. She later also sunk her teeth into becoming an active member of her NAACP branch. Here she fought for equal rights for all minority groups and later served as secretary for many years and later became President of this same

local branch. Linda was also a member of her local Elks Lodge and Eastern Stars organizations. She enjoyed serving on many committees, being nominated for many offices and traveling each year with her sister and brother Elks to yearly conventions in big cities around the country.

She worked for G C Murphy Co in downtown Clarksburg and later joined the staff of WBOY-TV in Clarksburg where she served as receptionist and later assisted her buddy Mike Simons with trips taking Snowbird to visit elementary schools, doing restaurant road trips and helping him get set up for his interviews at festivals and everywhere else. She later worked at Clarksburg City Building’s front reception desk.

Linda’s church family at Mt. Zion and her Pastor Rahsaan Armand, his family were all very important to her. She always had her Bible time every day. She loved both gospel music and Motown. This is where her family got their love of the music scene. She and her husband, Charles, operated the “Wheel Club” on First St (better known as “Chicken Charlies.”) Their food, fun and entertainment was talked about everywhere. She also ran a side catering business with her daughters and others pitching in on many wedding receptions, birthdays, church dinners and holiday celebrations. Let us not forget her tending bar at RayRay’s on Monticello and her love for “Dancing with the Stars.” She volunteered at her local Senior Center and helped organize many fashion shows, dances, community events and more.

I think you’ll all agree that what she enjoyed most was Black Heritage Festival Time where she got to shine each year. She joined the Black Heritage Committee many years ago and took over being the chairperson for organizing entertainment. She pulled in big-name entertainment, local and gospel every year since it’s humble beginnings many years ago. She enjoyed helping to expand kid’s night on Fridays also.

Linda is survived by three daughters: Regina Bryant, Alisa Holyfield and Amy Lewis, all of Charleston WV; seven grandchildren: Eric Bryant, Shawn Bryant, Santana Moore, Shamia Lewis, Kasha Lewis, Zecola Hall and Zoran Hall; 18 great-children: Eladio, Amora, Aliyah, Marayah, Malaki, Ametrice, Asia, Adrianna, Avery, Braylen, Kynston, Alexandra and Zoriah; Kaylie and Mia; Lucas Hall, Antoine Dailey Jr. and Keyshawn Dailey; 3 great-great-grandchildren: two sisters-in-law: Dannie Holyfield and Juanita Arnold; two special cousins: Beatrice Baylor and her husband, Joe and Cynthia Dobbs and her husband Pastor Wesley Dobbs, all of Carolina WV.; two loving nieces, Jacqueline Arnold and Marilyn-Monroe Helm, both of Cincinnati, OH; two her husband, Charles Holyfield she is preceded in death by her parents: James Albert and Gernie Belle Arnold; five brothers: Lester, Corbet, Albert, Robert, Eugene (Dominic) and Charles Junior Arnold; one sister: Ozellia Veith; and her lifelong best friend Autrice Thomas.

Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort on Friday, July 7, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, where funeral services will be held at 6:00 pm with Pastor Rahsaan Armand officiating. Interment will be private.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com.  A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.