Arlene Small, age 89, went home to be with her Lord on January 10, 2026. She was born on July 22, 1936, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and was raised in the countryside of Elton, Pennsylvania, a place that shaped her lifelong love for flowers, nature, and the outdoors.
As a teenager, Arlene gave her life to Christ after attending a Billy Graham outreach at a local roller rink—a moment that became the foundation of her faith and guided her life from that day forward. On August 13, 1955, she married the love of her life, Richard Glendon Small, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 70 years. Together they made homes in many places, including Akron, Lorain, and Elyria, Ohio; St. Albans, West Virginia; and Orange, Texas. After retirement, they made their home on Toledo Bend Lake in Fairmount, Texas for 26 years – a place that quickly became their favorite and held many treasured memories. Surrounded by water, trees, and open skies, she delighted in God’s creation each day. She especially loved flowers—tending them with care and admiring their beauty—but she also found great joy in feeding and watching birds and welcoming them into her days. In 2021, they moved to Beaumont, Texas, to be closer to family.
After raising her family, Arlene returned to school and graduated from Lamar University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She poured her heart into teaching for 12 years at Community Christian School in Orange, Texas, where she lovingly shaped young lives. Arlene faithfully served her church as a pianist, Sunday School teacher, and Vacation Bible School volunteer. After retirement, she and Richard traveled the world and volunteered with Campers on Mission, working on church camps across the state of Texas—combining their love for service, fellowship, and adventure.
She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Dorothy Stull and sisters Ethel Stull Kearns and Eleanor Stull Wilson. Arlene is survived by her husband, Richard Small and their four children: Bryan (Yanmin) Small of Aurora, Colorado; Jeanette(Eugene) Crocker of Orange, Texas; Eric (Karla) Small of Murchison, Texas; and Lisa (Clayton) Harrell of Beaumont, Texas. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Serving as pall bearers are her grandsons: Clayton Harrell, Jr, James Crocker, Jeremy Crocker, Ross Small, and Ty Harrell, as well as her 2 favorite sons-in-law: Clayton Harrell, Sr. and Eugene Crocker. Arlene will be remembered for her gentle spirit, servant’s heart, and unwavering faith. Her life was a beautiful testimony of love for God, family, and others, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
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