Pinkie Mae Benson Arnic was born on a summer day in Needville, Texas, to Scott Benson Jr. and Elvira Lewis Benson. The oldest of nine children who lovingly knew her as "Sister", she grew up in a humble home filled with the sounds of siblings and the steady rhythm of a family rooted in faith. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, a quiet devotion that shaped the way she moved through the world—with kindness, patience, and a gentle strength that never wavered.

Pinkie carried her love of learning from Powell Point High School, where she proudly captained the basketball team, to Prairie View A&M University, earning her bachelor's degree in elementary education. She began her career as a librarian at Prairie View, but it was in the classroom that she discovered the work that suited her spirit best. For more than 30 years, mostly with her beloved fifth graders at Lamar Elementary in Houston, she poured her heart into teaching. Her students remember her not only for her steady guidance but for the creativity she brought to every corner of the classroom, especially the beautiful bulletin boards and decorations she crafted with an artist's eye and a teacher's love.

On January 22, 1960, Pinkie married the love of her life, Clois James Arnic. Together they built a home filled with warmth, faith, and the kind of everyday tenderness that becomes a legacy. As a mother, she was devoted in every sense—present, nurturing, and unwavering. Her three children—Winfred, Roderick, and Teffany—grew up wrapped in the quiet assurance of her presence. To them, she was the portrait of grace: patient, steady, endlessly giving, and inspiring in the way she lived her values.

Pinkie's gifts extended far beyond the classroom and the home. She had a gardener's touch, coaxing beauty from the soil with a "green thumb" that became well known among family and friends. She found joy in decorating, transforming spaces with warmth and intention. She loved music—gospel, soul, and the melodies that filled her home and lifted her spirit—and she often moved through her days with a song in her heart. Her cooking and baking were the center of Sunday meals and holiday gatherings, and her smile—bright, welcoming, and sincere—made strangers feel like old friends.

A devoted member of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, Pinkie lived her faith not in grand gestures but in the everyday ways she cared for others. Her life was a quiet, steady source of inspiration, and the lessons she taught about kindness, humility, and love will continue to echo through her family for generations to come.

She leaves behind her husband of 66 years, Clois; her children Winfred (Jacqueline), Roderick (Kenna), and Teffany Arnic Davenport (Michael); and five grandchildren she adored: Lauren Arnic Benton (Justin), Whitney Arnic, Michael Davenport, Trevor Davenport, and Dylan Davenport. She is also survived by her brother Glenn Benson, along with a wide and loving circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, each touched in some way by her beautiful smile and generous spirit.

Pinkie is preceded in death by her siblings Barbara Benson Peugh, Melvin Benson, Scott Benson Jr., Roy Benson, William Benson, Lester Benson, Hayward Benson, and Ray Benson.

Her life was a testament to love, faith, and the beauty of a gentle heart. Those who knew her were inspired and will carry her warmth always.