Cora A. Arden

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Cora Andrea Arden, of Salemburg, NC. A beloved retired law enforcement officer, Cora died peacefully on February 2, 2025, at the age of 74. Known for her positive personality traits, such as kindness, humor, and generosity, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Cora was a passionate traveler and a dedicated family member and friend.

She was preceded in death by her father, John R. Godwin; her mother, Lucille Harbison; her sister, Marlene Hollingsworth; and her brother, Robert M. Godwin. She is survived by her aunt, Jeanne Boyette; her uncle, Paul Honeycutt; her best friend, Lorie Clark; her cousins: Kaye Bryan, Rebecca Tew, Faye Williams, Ricky Boyette, Terry Honeycutt, Bobby Honeycutt, Timmy Stewart, Donna Jean Jones, Amber Stewart, Mitchell Honeycutt, and Jamie Honeycutt; her former lifetime partner, Lorie Hawkins; and her beloved chihuahua, Chicko.

Cora loved her profession in law enforcement and was the first woman deputy in Randolph County, NC. She also served as a guard in the NC prison system. While working as a guard in Orlando, FL, she was on a special detail for Michael Jackson, where she became acquainted with him. She was also assigned to special guard details for other high-profile celebrities. After her law enforcement career, Cora became a furniture liquidator, wholesaling furniture throughout the United States, and loved to take road trips across the country.

Please join us in celebrating her life on Monday afternoon, March 17 (Cora’s Saint Patrick’s Day Birthday), at 2 p.m., Piney Green Baptist Church Gravesite, 6040 High House Road, Salemburg, NC.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cora A. Arden, please visit our floral store.