Teresa McQueen Arndt

Teresa Mae McQueen Arndt went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 19th, surrounded by her loving family and close friend, Jimmie, after a long and hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on January 30th, 1956 in Jacksonville, Texas to Reverend Marshall Earl McQueen and Coy Mae Cliburn McQueen.

Early on in her childhood, Teresa’s father entered into the Methodist ministry. This would eventually lead to her love of music and commitment to serving the church, something she continued faithfully throughout her life. Being a preacher's daughter shaped her childhood years, taking their family to several communities across Texas. They lived in places including but not limited to Orange, Beaumont, Mount Pleasant, and Marlin.

During her time in Marlin, she attended and graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in biology. She met her husband of 47 years, Billy Keith Arndt, in Marlin on the courthouse steps. They married and chose to settle in Robinson, Texas where they raised their three daughters.

This led to Teresa’s deep involvement in Robinson schools. She dedicated many years to Robinson Independent School District, specifically the parent teacher organization, coronation, and the Robinson Education Foundation. Her involvement in these organizations contributed countless funds raised toward student scholarships.

She devoted many years of service and attendance to Robinson Drive United Methodist Church. The highlight of her time there was when she served as the pianist and choir director. This stemmed from her love of music that began and developed as a child. She was involved in every aspect of the church, from creating bulletins, to being the lay delegate to the annual conference.

The greatest joys in Teresa’s life were her family, which grew to include four grandchildren whom she loved dearly. After Billy’s accident, she became his full-time caregiver. Her greatest passion was traveling with family and friends. Her last wish was fulfilled in July when she was able to take a cruise to Alaska surrounded by her entire family.

She is preceded in death by her father, Reverand Marshall Earl McQueen, and mother, Coy Mae Cliburn McQueen. Her aunt, Joyce Arden, and close friend, Sarah F “Sally” Sullivan.

She is survived by her husband, Billy Keith Arndt, daughter Becky and husband Kermit Key of Robinson, daughter Melissa and husband Jeffery Krieg of Robinson, and daughter Traci Arndt of Robinson. Her beloved grandchildren Abbygail and William Krieg, Lexy Key, and Coy Loa, all of Robinson. Her lifelong friends, Jimmie and Robert Hahn of Levi, and other family and friends.

We would like to thank Houston Methodist and Baylor Scott and White McClinton Cancer Center for the compassionate care they provided her throughout her illness. A special thank you to Kelvin Allenson, M.D., and his entire team for going above and beyond throughout her care until the very end.