Bernell Elizabeth Arrington

On the first day of summer 1931, God sent a rose to be entrusted to James Eddie Cannon, Sr. and Queen Ann Wise Cannon, Bernell Elizabeth, the sixth child and second daughter of seven.

Born in Coatesville, she received her early education from the Historical James Adams Elementary School. She was a 1949 graduate of Scott Intermediate High School where she participated in the waitress club and glee club. After high school, Bernell attended McCary Medical School in Philadelphia.

On July 17, 1954, she married Emerson Arrington of Whitakers, North Carolina. Together they shared over 59 years of marriage and parented 4 children: Emerson Jr., Rev. Jamie, Belinda and Lisa Millette.

Bernell taught the 5-year-olds at Coatesville Day Care center for 10 years. She participated in the Active Day Program in Exton, PA.

She was a long-time member of the Historic Hutchinson Memorial UAME Church in Coatesville where she served as a stewardess and a member of the waitress club.  She was a member of the Jr. Mary Tent Lodge.

Bernell loved the Lord, loved to sing, and enjoyed being a homemaker.  She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and collecting porcelain dolls. Most of all, she loved to cook and bake. She was known for making delicious bread and crescent rolls.

Bernell’s life was like the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. She was a mother to many and was praised by her family.

In the early morning of Thanksgiving Day 11.24.2022, the rose sent by God was picked. Bernell Elizabeth transitioned home to her heavenly father.  In addition, she is joining her siblings, Dr. James Cannon, Jr., Robert Edward Cannon, Sr., Gilbert Odell Cannon, Sr, Virginia Irene Cannon, Carl McKinnley and Haywood Theodore Cannon. In addition to her parents, Bernell is also preceded in death by her husband, Emerson Arrington; son-in-law, James Smith; great-grandchildren, C’aira Parker, Phaith Edwards-Johnson, and Ronald Edwards.

Bernell leaves a treasure of precious memories to her two daughters, Belinda Smith, Lisa Arrington; two sons, Emerson Arrington, Jr., and Rev. Jamie Arrington; 9 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; sister-in-laws, Florence Cannon of Coatesville and Sharon Cooper Jolly (Carl) of Harrisburg; brother in laws, Willie Sims of Columbia, South Carolina, Earl Cooper, Coatesville and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Homegoing services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, December 2, 2022, at the Historic Hutchinson Memorial UAME Church, 825 E. Chestnut Street, Coatesville, PA. A viewing will be held from 9:00 AM - 10:45 AM.

The interment will be held in Church of Christ Cemetery, Ercildoun, PA.

Condolences may be shared at the guestbook link on this memorial page. Resolutions from churches may be sent by 4 pm Thursday to the funeral home by emailing  wrightfuneralsvs@aol.com.

Flowers can be sent to the church on the day of the service. The flower theme colors are pink and burgundy.

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