Arlene Lewis Whye

Arlene Lewis Whye, a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on August 10, 2025, just weeks before her 82nd birthday.

Born on August 22, 1943, in West Grove, Pennsylvania, Arlene was the tenth of eleven children born to the late Marion and Clifford Cornelius. Growing up in a large, close-knit family, she developed a love for fun, competition, and togetherness. She was a master of double Dutch, and her childhood was filled with games like jacks and pick-up sticks-a joy she later shared with her children and grandchildren.

A talented athlete, Arlene proudly recounted her days running in the Penn Relays as a junior high student, one of her favorite stories to tell. She attended West Philadelphia High School and later the University of Delaware.

In her youth, Arlene attended High Street Church of God, where she began a lifetime of ministry service. After moving to Delaware with her three oldest children, she began working at AI DuPont Institute and became active at 23rd Street Church of God in Wilmington, serving as an usher, choir member, and beloved cook for countless church events.

It was during this season of life that she met the love of her life, David H. Whye. Arlene's steadfast faith and gentle influence were instrumental in David's decision to follow Christ. They married in 1977 and welcomed three more children into their growing family.

Arlene and David shared a passion for cooking, launching a catering business in 1983. Known for her beautiful wedding cakes and her signature "Arly's Nutty Apple Cake," Arlene poured her creativity and heart into every dish she made. They later opened Arly's Café in 1987, which they operated for two years before feeling God's call to Columbia, Maryland, and to Long Reach Church of God. There, Arlene served faithfully as an usher and as the church's front office secretary for many years.

In 1999, Arlene became the First Lady of Shepherd's Life Church of God when David assumed the role of pastor. For more than two decades, she served alongside him with grace, hospitality, and unwavering dedication to the congregation she loved.

Family was Arlene's joy. She was a fierce competitor in board games, a master holiday hostess, and a cook whose Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts were nothing short of legendary-complete with endless desserts, fresh homemade rolls, and her "good china" for every special occasion.

Arlene was a caretaker by nature, tending lovingly to her mother and her sister Dotty in their later years, and running an elderly care business from her home for many years. Her compassion and generosity touched countless lives.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Clifford Cornelius; and siblings Mildred McKim, Delores Johnson, Barbara Eaton, Charles Cornelius, Selma Gipson, and Dorothy Lynn Cornelius.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband of 48 years, David H. Whye; her seven beloved children: Isla Marie Brown (Carl), Gerald Nicholas Glover Jr. (Kimberly), Raymond Charles Glover (Shannon), David Henry Whye Jr., Daniel Lewis Whye (Nicole), Jeffrey Alden Whye (Monique), and Arlene Danielle Whye (Jonathan); 24 cherished grandchildren; 12 treasured great-grandchildren; her three surviving siblings Allen C. Cornelius, Loleeta M. Rogers, and Ruth Ann Lambe; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Arlene's life was a testament to faith, family, and service. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her giving spirit, her delicious cooking, and her unwavering love for the Lord. While her absence leaves an unfillable void, her legacy of love and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her.

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