Karen Arnold Obituary

INDIAN LAND, SC - Karen L. Arnold passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Atrium Health – CMC Main in Charlotte, NC.

Karen was born on March 19, 1942 in Washington County, PA. Karen was the second of five children born to Bernard Sparks and Naomi Jean Clutter. Karen is predeceased by both of her parents, her brother Bill Sparks and her husband Roy Arnold.

Early in Karen's life the family moved to Clairton, PA where Karen attended school, graduating from Clairton High School. After graduating high school, she married George (Frank) Holton, moved to New Jersey and then welcomed a child, George (Frank) Holton II. Later on she returned to Clairton Pa. and decided to move to Pittsburg, PA. where she enrolled in college and graduated with a Degree in Nursing. While there she met and married Donald Thompson and had two daughters, Lynda Thompson and Michele (Thompson) Ryder. This 10-year span is what made Karen the person she was. She worked 3 jobs simultaneously to make ends meet. This period in her life helped give her that fiery drive , the determination to succeed and have an extremely strong work ethic.

In 1977 she married Roy Arnold and shortly afterwards the family moved to the Charlotte, NC area where they settled for the remainder of their lives. In the Charlotte area Karen became known as one of the top real estate agents and mortgage brokers , earning many awards throughout the years.

Karen will be remembered for her highly competitive spirit when playing card games, tennis, and board games. She especially loved her trips to Two Kings Casino.

Karen is survived by her 2 daughters, Lynda Thompson and Michele (Thompson) Ryder , her son George (Frank) Holton II his wife Johanne, grandchildren Christine Holton and George (Frank) Holton III, her sister Donna (Sparks) George, Bonnie (Tortorice) Lins and her husband William, Sam Tortorice and his wife Kimberly along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The following message was sent to Michele from one of Karen's longtime friends. This person really knew the "REAL" Karen L. Arnold.

Sometimes you meet people in life and you just think to yourself, "that is a person of conviction". That was Karen Arnold. I can't say that from the moment I met her I knew we would be friends, to be honest I didn't know if we were even going to like each other. She was bold, blunt, a little on the harsh side and not intimidated by me in the least. Quickly I knew we would either love each other or hate each other. As it turned out, it was the former.

We loved each other for many, many years. She was my second mom and she called me her adopted daughter, and she treated me like a daughter. Karen was always advising me, reprimanding me, coaching me and giving to me. When I became very ill for a period of years many friends and many family members were nowhere to be seen, but Karen was there. When I didn't know how to make it through the tough years of a marriage, Karen was there. When we were drowning financially, Karen was there. When I adopted my son, Karen was there. When I became a Realtor, Karen was there to guide me. My second mom was always there, through thick and thin. Karen Arnold was the epitome of a real friend.

I would often marvel at the stories she would tell me concerning what she went through in life growing up and raising children. I had never met a lady that impressive before, she was a true Pioneer Woman. Karen amazed me and inspired me. When I told my mom that Karen was my second mom she became a little jealous. So we all met for lunch so they could meet and afterwards my mom said ok, she can be your second mom. My mom saw in Karen what my husband and I saw. She was a woman sometimes sharp with her words, but would literally give you the shirt off her back. I told her one time, I have you figured out. I told her, you pretend to be so tough while you cover up the fact that your heart is as big as Texas. Karen smiled and said … Caught! Then said Shhhh, don't tell anyone. But, if you ever did get the chance to really know her you would know it.

Karen was not perfect but she loved me. She loved my son, my husband, and they loved her. It's not about perfection, it's about love. My friend…. My second mom…loved deeply and is deeply loved. Her love will live in our hearts forever.

Heritage Funeral Home

3700 Forest Lawn Dr.

Matthews, NC 28104

Friday, October 10, 2025

Visitation will be from 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Service will be at the funeral home following visitation

The burial will follow directly after the service at Forest Lawn Cemetery

located directly across the street from Heritage Funeral Home