WILSON, OKLAHOMA - Services for Dessie Gunter Arnold Mullins, 96, were Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, at Alexander Funeral Home with Danny Hull officiating. Interment will be at Keller Cemetery.

Born in Keller, Okla., the first of 13 children born to Silas Monroe and Ila Velma Thompson Gunter, she died in Wilson.

She married Royce Calvin Arnold in 1929. He preceded her in death on Aug. 18, 1966. She and Sherman Francis Mullins were married on Jan. 6, 1973. He died on March 1, 1999. She was also preceded in death by her only child, a son, Donald Hugh Arnold, on Nov. 25, 1992; seven sisters, Mildred Hubbard, Louise Mitchell, Bernice Price, Robbie Pearce, Juanita Theaux, Peggye Quick, and Jewell Price; five brothers, her twin Jesse, Roscoe Sr., James Floyd "Buster," George "Peanut," and Roland Gunter.

Dessie grew up at Rexroat where she attended and graduated from high school. During her marriage to Mr. Arnold, they owned and operated a gas station on U.S. Highway 70 east of Wilson. After his death in 1966, she was employed by a restaurant as a hostess. Dessie had a strong devotion to her church, Primitive Baptist in Wilson, and also to her family. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, entertaining and the changing of the seasons. She taught her grandchildren to enjoy growing up, to respect their surroundings and to be grateful.

Survivors include her devoted daughter-in-law, Christine Arnold, Wilson; grandchildren, Donna McPherson and husband, George, Oklahoma City, and Leslie Arnold and wife, Ganell, Shawnee; five great-grandchildren, Lori, Lenora, Andy, Tracy and Mindy; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Bearers will be J.R. Gunter, Jack Gunter, Larry Gunter, Ronald Gunter, Jerry Gunter and Wayne Baird.