Elizabeth Alexis Arnold

Elizabeth Alexis Arnold passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2012 in Houston. She died peacefully surrounded by friends and family after a short, but fierce, battle with pancreatic cancer. Just days before her death, Alexis, known as Betsy to her family and childhood friends, researched treatments that would help her gain strength so she could aggressively fight the cancer. While her body succumbed to the cancer, her spirit never did.

Alexis was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, the tenth of eleven children, and she grew up in Houston, Texas. She was preceded in death by her father Daniel J. Arnold, sister Caryl, brother Jeffrey, and her beloved dog Riley. She is survived by her mother Eleanor Arnold, sisters Robie, Candice, Mary-Ellyn, Leslie and Tracy, brothers Bryan, Richard and Gregory, many nieces and nephews, and her adopted cat My. Alexis is also survived by many, many friends and colleagues whom she considered family. Alexis’s family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from her many caring friends and are forever thankful for the comfort that their messages and pictures provided to Alexis during the last weeks of her life.

Though she spent her childhood in Houston, Alexis’s heart belonged in Austin. She attended The University of Texas and graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor’s degree in Radio, Television & Film. While a student at Texas, Alexis participated in a successful effort to launch the student radio station KTSB. She also served on the Senate of College Councils representing the College of Communications. During her time at Texas, Alexis also began many friendships which lasted the rest of her life. Many fondly remember her small home in south Austin and her collection of vintage lunchboxes.

Alexis left Austin to continue her work in film and television production. She moved to New York City and quickly made a name for herself in the film industry. As a production manager, Alexis oversaw day-to-day operations of the film set, and she was particularly caring when it came to the food and comfort of artists and workers. Crew members loved and respected Alexis, and she is remembered fondly for the advice and guidance she shared with those new to the industry. She was a proud member of the Director’s Guild of America and has worked on critically acclaimed films such as “Lone Star”, “The Wrestler” and “We Need to Talk About Kevin”. She once received flowers from George Clooney.

Alexis loved all animals, but especially her dog Riley, adventure and living in New York City. During her time in New York, Alexis enjoyed knitting, baking, spending time with friends, and exploring the city. She had a wicked sense of humor, full of sarcasm and sass, and a razor sharp wit. A talented conversationalist and good listener, Alexis started many of her chats with the words “Tell me a story…”, and loved gossip of any kind.

During the last weeks of her life, Alexis’s brothers and sisters brought her to Houston and stayed with her around the clock to ensure that she was never alone. Alexis had many friends who traveled to Houston to be with her during her final moments, and these friends brought enormous comfort to Alexis and her family. While her physical presence may be gone, Alexis’s spirit will live forever in our hearts and we cherish our memories of her.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 27, 2012 in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway Houston 77024. Friends and family will begin gathering at 6:00pm and the formal service will begin at 7:00pm.