Mr. Arthur W. Frierson, 84, died peacefully Wednesday Sept. 25, at his College Hill home in Oxford two days prior to his 85th birthday. Arthur Frierson was born in the same home September 27, 1939, to the late Arthur Dunlap and Annie Pettis Frierson. The funeral service will be held Thursday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m. at College Hill Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Ryan Dean officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 27, from 9:30 until 10 a.m. at College Hill Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow the service in College Hill Presbyterian Cemetery.

Arthur attended College Hill School and graduated from University High School before attending The University of Mississippi for his undergraduate degree and Mississippi College for his master’s degree.

Arthur moved to Vicksburg to teach Mississippi and American history. There he met his wife of 54 years, Janie Helton. Arthur became principal of Vicksburg Junior High School and retired after 30 years.

After retirement, Arthur was happy to return to his beloved College Hill home where he was a neighbor to all. He cared diligently for his land, a discipline which was instilled in him by his family, who passed down not just the land, but an unwavering commitment and stewardship. Arthur raised cattle and planted much of his land in pine trees. Arthur enjoyed hunting with his friends and carrying young boys squirrel hunting with his dog Linus.

Arthur was a member of College Hill Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and played a large part in the upkeep and expansion of the church cemetery, knowing all too well the importance the cemetery played in the hearts of many. Arthur was also a member of the North Mississippi School Board and the Farm Bureau Board.

Arthur was always willing to share his own wisdom and knowledge, while being humble enough to listen and learn from others. His leadership and opinions were deeply valued and respected by his family, which includes his loving wife, Janie Frierson; dear first cousin, Lillian Vandergriff of Ravenden Springs, Ark.; brother-in-law, Louis Helton of Cordova, Tenn.; nephew, Greg Helton and great niece and great nephew, Ethan and Ella Helton of Lewis Center, Ohio; and niece, Amy Ward (Dave) of Memphis. Arthur is also survived by his cousins and their children, which he always considered nephews and nieces. They include Robert Lynn Frierson III (Pam) of Oxford, Benjamin Luckie Frierson (Sharon) of Corinth, Miss., Arthur Maddox Frierson (Michelle) and Katelyn of Oxford, Chris Frierson (Jennifer) and children, Mattie, Annie and Reed of Oxford, Joey Frierson and son, Taylor of Olive Branch, Josh Frierson of Oxford, William Taylor Frierson of Oxford and Robert Lynn Frierson IV (Kiersten) and son, Charlie of Katy, Texas. In addition to his parents, Arthur was preceded in death by his sister, Kathryn Frierson Bendall.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Arthur’s memory may be made to the “rebuilding of the old sanctuary” at College Hill Presbyterian Church, 339 County Rd. 102 Oxford, MS 38655.