Arlene Marshall

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, a phenomenal wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven to receive her wings when God sent his angels of grace and mercy to bring his daughter Arlene Marshall home.

Arlene was born in Portsmouth, VA, on May 10, 1955, to the late Jack White and Clarene Nichols. Arlene went to live with her grandparents, Dallas and Hester Banks, at the age of 6 after the untimely death of her mother, where she was raised in the Christian faith and attended First Baptist Taylorsville.

Arlene was educated in the Portsmouth Public School system and would go on to work at General Electric until its closing in 1986. She then went on to work at the Norfolk Naval Base before moving on to Chesapeake Public Schools. A devoted wife, Arlene retired from Chesapeake Public Schools in 2012 to fully dedicate herself as the primary caregiver to her husband of over 20 years, Eugene, whom she lovingly took care of until his passing in 2014.

One of Arlene's many attributes was her good sense of humor and quick wit, which she was known for. She loved to laugh, but more importantly, she loved making others laugh. She truly enjoyed seeing others happy.

Arlene was a true fashionista who enjoyed going on shopping trips to spot the latest trends; always creating the perfect outfit with shoes, accessories, and a pocketbook to match (hoop earrings were a must)! Her knack for creating the perfect look also included interior design, with her home being a true demonstration of how much she loved decorating, making spaces comfortable and beautiful for her family.

Arlene believed in putting family first, and she treated everyone like family. She had a generous heart and loved abundantly. She was a proud self- proclaimed "mama bear" who always went the extra mile for her children, grandchildren, and all those she loved. She was as straightforward as she was kind. She donated to the Veterans Holiday Wealth Fund, St. Jude's, and the Maidson Ward Thanksgiving and Christmas Drives annually. She would lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

She enjoyed watching television (which often included a good reality show), listening to music (especially her oldie but goodies), spending time with family, and occasionally cooking a good meal (known for her seafood stuffing, homemade rolls, and sweet potato pie). She will be missed tremendously.

Arlene was preceded in death by her loving husband of over 20 years, Eugene Marshall; parents, Clarene and Jack White; brothers, John Henry and Maynard White; sister, Vickie Monroe; grandparents, Hester and Dallas Banks, and close friend, Amos Taylor, Sr. (Jehrome).

She leaves to cherish her memory two children, Amos Taylor, Jr. (Kianna) and Yvette Taylor both of Portsmouth, VA; special uncle/father figure, James Holley of Portsmouth, VA; stepdaughters, Lomie Lewis of LA and Gayle Gardner of Norfolk, VA; stepsons, Eugene Marshall Jr. (Anita) of WA, Steven Marshall and Sherman Marshall both of Norfolk, VA; grandchildren, Eboni, Aaron (Keyona), Nickolas (Claire); five great-grandchildren; 18 step grandchildren; two brothers, Charlie White of Portsmouth, VA and Anthony White of Chesapeake, VA; two sisters, Hester Barber of Portsmouth, VA and Jacqueline Drewitt of Norfolk, VA; sisters-in-love, Maggie Mickey of IL and Gloria Taylor of Suffolk, VA; three god children, Sabrina Monroe, Keith Monroe, and Keisha Smith all of Portsmouth, VA. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viewing: Friday, December 19, 2025 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA Celebration of Life: COME IN PERSON OR WATCH ONLINE Saturday, December 20, 2025 10:00 AM Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA Laid to Rest: Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, VA