Martha Loper Arnold, 92, entered the gates of Heaven on the 28th of December 2021, very peacefully in Anderson, SC. She was the wife of the late Claude S. Arnold, whom she married at the ripe old age of 16 years old. Claude, a soldier of WWII, brought her from Laurel, Mississippi to the rural town of Iva, South Carolina where they lived together for 52 years. Martha began working full-time in 1956 as a seamstress at the local blouse plant where she blazed a path for women. Being the independent woman that she was, she was the first woman in the plant to wear pants as it made production of collars easier. She continued to be a pioneer for independent women at the blouse plant for 23 more years when she retired. After retirement, she continued as a seamstress for family and friends who needed alterations. During retirement, she enjoyed traveling the world where she collected thimbles from all over. In addition to traveling, she thoroughly enjoyed keeping her grandchildren, teaching them all the things she knew from sewing to cooking. Later in life at the age of 75, she married the late Ray Crocker, enjoying marriage for a second time for 14 years. To her family, Martha was famous for her "cathead" biscuits, banana pudding, kisses, and hugs. She never ventured out without lipstick and proved you could be strong and feminine at the same time. She was a member of Freedom Baptist Ministries where she attended until 2 weeks before her death. She leaves behind a daughter, Jo Beth Tilley (Tony). She lovingly helped raised 5 grandchildren: Patti Scott (Chris), Jamie Charping (Dawn), Joanna Wiles (Justin), Jake Tilley (Kristy), and Jesse Tilley (Tori). In addition, she was proud of each of her 10 great-grandchildren: Joseph Charping, Shannon Charping, Andrew Gunnels (Braylin), Evan Scott, Joseph Wiles (Lindsey), Rylan Wiles, Abby Tilley, Jecht Wiles, Tillie Rae Wiles, and Hannah Tilley. She would have welcomed a great, great-granddaughter, due in May 2022. She was predeceased by her daughters Nora and Sandra Arnold Stamps (Jerry), son, Claude, Jr., infant twin of Jo Beth; 4 sisters and 7 brothers, all with whom she is happily reunited in the glory of Heaven. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 4, 2022, from 1:00-2:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm in the Chapel with Pastor Tony Tilley officiating. Burial will follow at Iva City Cemetery. The family requests both flowers or memorial contributions that can be made to Meals on Wheels, PO Box 285, Anderson, SC 29622 . The family will be at the home of her daughter, 5028 Highway 29 S., Anderson, SC. Events Visitation Tuesday, January 4, 2022 1:00PM - 2:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Funeral Service Tuesday, January 4, 2022 2:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Final Resting Place Iva City Cemetery Iva, SC, US, 29655 Iva, SC 29655