Arlene Mary (Samples) Edwards, age 75, suddenly passed on March 24, 2023. Arlene was born in Bronx, New York to the late Delores Beatrice Gatling.

Arlene, retired from the Division of Child Support for the state of Virginia. She became a nationally certified peer recovery support specialist.  She took a position at Bridging the Gap in 2012. She was an advocate for prison reform, and a community activist. She was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on July 1,1998. She also served two years as a regular pioneer.  She leaves a legacy of love, gratitude, service, compassion, laughing, dancing and singing. To know her is to love her. Arlene suffered many struggles, however; she loved her family and adored all of her grand and great grandchildren.  She will be dearly missed by us all.

Arlene spent her childhood years growing up in New York, Richmond and Newport News, Va. Arlene was married to Bobby Ray Edwards and out of that union came four beautiful girls who she leaves to cherish her memories. Her daughter, Shelly (Lonnie) Miles; grandchildren, Shakita, Steve, Hahkim, and Jeremiah; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Arianna, Adrianna, James, Jazmin, Journey, and Genesis. Her daughter, Bobbie Brown; grandchildren, Anthony, Marquise, Kenny, Cierra, Drucella; great grandchildren, Angel, London, Kendrick, Lilah, Knight, Soloman, Leon, Zariuh, Zayden. Her daughter, LaTonya (Dale) Clarke. Her daughter, Shannon (Allen) Perry; grandchildren, Kwaume, Dymond, Syrenity, Nathaniel; great-grandchildren, Somariya, Genesis, Mathew, Cameron, Avah and Aryn. Her brother, Antonio (Shirley-Mae) Johnson; her sister, Delmira Johnson (Ronald) Jenkins; her brother, Willie (Terry) Gatling. Nieces, Sharman (Jeff) Marshall, Jahmari, Nova, Tierra (De'Ryan) Brister, Makayla, Chole; Nephew, Willie Gatling III. Extended family; Edwards Gwendolyn (Joe), Nugene, James, Kevin (Paulette), Theyartis (Julinea) VeVe, Tajuana, Kiara, and a loving host of nieces and nephews as well as friends. Friend, Jimmy Johnson; Best Friend, Betty Ellis (Kenya), Francis and also special friends, Sylvia and the Golden Girls from (Berkley Village Community).  All the brothers and sisters at the Bethel Park, Midlothian and Monroe Congregations special thanks to Dolly Langhorn, Patty and Douglas Diggs. She also leaves behind many friends that loved her dearly.

Viewing will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. 23607.  A funeral service 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 31, 2023 at the funeral chapel.