Celia Rae Arnold Truelove, age 86, was born February 1, 1940, in Harnett County, North Carolina, to Percy Abe Arnold and Linda Rae Johnson Arnold. She was raised in the Christian Light Community of Fuquay-Varina, where her family lived off River Road.

Celia attended Lafayette School, where she caught the eye of a young student bus driver, Jack Truelove. He pursued her, and on October 23, 1959, they were married. They shared 66 years of marriage, spending most of their life together in Fuquay-Varina, apart from the years Jack's military service took them out of state.

Celia and Jack were blessed with two children, Brad Wesley Truelove and Karen Rae Truelove.

Celia worked in financial services and later as a paralegal for the law office of the late Waverley Akins. Her greatest devotion, however, was to her family. When Brad and Karen were young, both became involved in competitive waterskiing, and Celia devoted herself wholeheartedly to their training and competition. She spent countless hours traveling with them, supporting them, and making the sacrifices necessary to help them pursue their dreams. Being there for her children and watching them grow and succeed was one of the great joys of her life.

As her children grew and started families of their own, Celia continued to be deeply involved in their lives. She spent many years caring for and spending time with her grandchildren. Also known as "Nana," she became a loving and important part of their childhoods. Her family remained at the heart of her life, and she treasured the years she spent watching her grandchildren grow.

Celia is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Jack; sister Jewell Arnold Coleman; son Brad Truelove and wife Charlotte; daughter Karen Truelove Krueger and husband Freddy; grandchildren Kacie Truelove Parisian (Zach), Madison Truelove Davis (Austin), Dylan Truelove (Sydney), Dash Krueger, and Ridge Krueger; and great-grandchildren Rhett Garner and Zoe Davis.

Celia leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and family. She dedicated her life to the people she loved, and her greatest gift was the love and commitment she gave to her husband, children, and grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 3:00-5:00 PM Saturday, October 3, 2026 at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home in Lillington and other times at the home of Brad and Charlotte Truelove.