Arralee Matthews Presley

Arralee was born on July 19, 1928 in McGehee, AR the daughter of Benjamin S. and Mary McDonald Matthews. She was the youngest of four girls - lovingly known as the beauties of McGehee - and was generous in sharing stories of her parents and childhood, such as joining her mother and sisters to roll bandages for the Red Cross in support of the war effort (WWII).

Arralee was a steadfast wife and mother, a woman of faith and member of the First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge. She deeply appreciated her family and friends and loved to show it by entertaining and hosting bridge club. A woman of grace and good cheer, her guests always felt welcome as she would share about something "just marvelous". The family warmly remembers all the summers with her in Florida playing bridge and enjoying shrimp and crab boils. Important to Arralee was her service to the community, holding leadership positions in the Louisiana March of Dimes and the women's auxiliary at the Woman's Hospital. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Mary Spears, Martha Isch and Eleanor Dodds, her daughter Pennye Presley and her husband Dr. Joe Andrew Presley. Survivors are sons Dr. Joe Andrew Presley, Jr. of Chula Vista, CA and David Lee Presley of Baton Rouge, LA; and grandchildren Joe Andrew Presley III (Brandy) and Mary Roya Presley.

Private interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery by Youngs Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flower, donations can be sent to First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge.

Condolences may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Presley family.