Retha, the daughter of Amos Parnell Sr. and Lessie M. McNeill Parnell, was born on Saturday, February 2, 1929, in Rowland, North Carolina.  She attended school there until a teacher, from Charlotte, North Carolina, became interested in helping advance Retha's  education. Rosa A. Pettice, the teacher, and her aunt, Olivia Parker Sims, became guardians for Retha once she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Retha received a high school diploma from Plato Price High School in Charlotte, North Carolina.  She continued her education at Barber-Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina, where she received a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Education in 1951. Retha continued her education and received a Master's degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers' College, Columbia University, New York City, New York in 1963.  She took advantage of further educational opportunities beyond her Master's degree by working towards a doctoral degree at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Retha completed coursework for an Early Childhood Education certification.

Retha taught school in the Charlotte Mecklenburg  School System, Charlotte, North Carolina, after graduating from Barber-Scotia College.  She married the late Reverend Doctor James Ertle Arnette (fondly known as Daddy Jim) on March 27, 1957.  Retha and James moved to Goldsboro, North Carolina in 1958 when James accepted a job as chaplain at O'Berry Center.  Retha taught school in Goldsboro for six years.  In 1964, Retha moved back to Charlotte, North Carolina. She continued to teach school.  During this time, Retha and James confirmed their unselfish desires of sharing, giving and mentoring others by opening their home to Juanita Bernice Falls, a teacher.  This added to their family another person whom they really enjoyed and loved as well.

In 1972, Retha moved to Rocky Mount, North Carolina where her husband, James, accepted a pastoral position at Metropolitan Baptist Church.  Retha continued to teach in the classroom until becoming an Assistant Principal in 1975.  Retha held the position of Assistant Principal until her retirement in 1990.  After retiring, Retha enjoyed her favorite pastimes – sewing her own fashions, shopping, home-decorating, walking, bowling and taking piano lessons.

In 1996, Retha moved to Raleigh, North Carolina to support her husband, James, who accepted a position as Dean of Shaw Divinity School at Shaw University.  True to her love and support of James, Retha traveled with him on numerous speaking events.  James retired from Shaw University in 2008.  In 2009, Retha and James moved back to Charlotte, North Carolina.  During this time, Retha unselfishly took on the task of primary caregiver for James who was declining in health. In 2019, Retha moved to Peoria, Arizona to spend time with family until earning her angel wings.

On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, Retha Jane Parnell Arnette entered full eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Retha was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Doctor James Arnette (2015); father, Amos Parnell, Sr. (1956); mother, Lessie McNeill Parnell (1964); brothers, Amos Parnell, Jr. (1951) and Thomas Parnell (2017); sisters, Annie Belle Parnell Taylor (1951), Sarah Alice Parnell Simmons (1987), Bertha Lee Parnell Covington (1987), Mary Ophelia Parnell Alford (1996), Elizabeth Parnell Bonner (2010) and Queen Esther Parnell McKinnon (2020); adopted parents, Olivia Parker Sims (1990) and Rosa Alma Pettice Simpson (2002); and close mentee/adopted daughter, Juanita Bernice Falls (2009).

A devoted Christian, wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, god-mother, mentor, aunt, confidante, and friend, Retha is survived by her two children: daughter, Dr. Delores Arnette Cochrane (Charles), and son, Thomas Evan Arnette; four grandchildren, Carlos Antonio Cochrane Sr., Charletta Deneé Cochrane Houston (Jacoury), Justin Evan Arnette (Generra) and Tynise Evondra Arnette; ten great-grandchildren, Dominic Carlos Cochrane, Carmen Alexis Cochrane, Donovan Ray Cochrane, Carlos Antonio Cochrane Jr., Josiah De'kor Horton-Houston, Janae Charese Horton-Houston, Victoria Carmen Cochrane, Jayce Evan Arnette, Luka Saint Arnette and Isla Mae Cochrane; very close friend, Elouise Avery Ethridge; Renetta Ethridge Holloway (god-daughter) and Patricia Parker Curry Thomas (god-sister).  A myriad of nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous close associates will miss and dearly cherish Retha Jane Parnell Arnette's memory.  Never far from our thoughts, may she rest peacefully in the protective arms of our loving God.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Disease Research, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association or Loaves and Fishes Pantry-Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church, USA.