Emma Ray Arrington

Funeral services for Emma Ray Arrington, 98, of Lufkin will be held Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Kyle Campbell and Jim McDonald officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Mrs. Arrington was born January 27, 1927 in Oakdale, Louisiana to the late Lela (Bond) and Stephen Sullivan, and died Thursday, December 11, 2025 at her residence.

Emma was a lifelong resident of Lufkin. She was self-employed as a bookkeeper and attended Loop 287 Church of Christ.

Survivors include her daughter, Lynda Blackburn; sons, Melvin Grimes, Jr. and wife Debra Greer, Robert Grimes and wife Pat, Welton Grimes; bonus children, Debra McDonald, Daniel Burkeen and wife Penny, Jerry Burkeen and wife Wanda, Michael Arrington, Robert Arrington; bonus daughter-in-law, Tammy McFarlane and husband Don; a niece loved as a daughter, Joyce Gray and husband C.B.; 38 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Melvin Grimes, Sr., Lee Burkeen, and Louis Arrington; son, Bobby Arrington; and grandsons, Robert Grimes, Jr. and Christopher Grimes; great-great-grandson, Lake Wise; a very special aunt, Della Jo Bond; sister and brother-in-law, Frankie and Earl Lonadier; son-in-law, James Blackburn; bonus son, Bobby Arrington; bonus daughter-in-law, Doris Arrington; and bonus son-in-law, Shelton McDonald.

Pallbearers will be David Blackburn, Charles Lawrence, Corey Hines, Mitchell Grimes, Billy Russell, Jarod Russell, Dan Burkeen and Ryan Burkeen.

Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Jack Russell, Ron Chastain, and Richard Owen.

The family would like to thank Elite Hospice for the loving care given to Emma. They would also like to thank caregivers Peggy Jackson, Tammy Ferguson, Trista White, Cherita Ferguson, Barbara Halsell, Jyme Thompson, Carolyn Tucker, Teresa Mason, and Margritte Greenwood.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.