Arlene Smith Van Cleave, age 96 of Abilene, passed away on June 22, 2022. Arlene, as she was known by her family and friends, was born to Ransom Grover “R.G.” and Cora Smith on September 27, 1925 in Abilene, Texas and grew up in the nearby community of Tye.As “the girl in the bright sunflower-yellow dress,” she captured the heart of Clyde Derwell Van Cleave. They were married on January 23, 1948 and together they raised four children, Claudia, Phil, Sandra, and Fred. Having lived her last 44 years as a widow, Arlene lived a resilient, resourceful, and resolute life. For 30 years she worked in the window treatment industry, including co-founding and operating a custom-made curtain and drapery business. After retiring she kept busy as a trusted baby sitter and a reliable volunteer for Meals on Wheels Abilene, Taylor County Health Department, and several other local non-profit organizations. She enjoyed working with her hands and over years she has made many cherished hand-crafted quilts and crocheted rugs. She also had a knack in the kitchen and everyone raved about her cooking. When she wasn’t doing for others, she enjoyed a leisure afternoon of fishing with her grandchildren and her sister-in-law Beth. Arlene was a longstanding and faithful member of Caps and Belmont Baptist Churches.
Arlene lived a long and full life having outlived her siblings Perry Smith, Lee Newmon, Prebble Heard, Cleon Smith, and Margie Polvado, as well as many other relatives and peers. She was dedicated to her family and is survived by her daughters Claudia and Harry Savio of Austin and Sandra and Alan Shiroma of Arlington; sons Phil and Gwen Van Cleave of Cameron and Fred and Lisa Van Cleave of Tuscola; 12 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; and a number of cousins, nephews, and nieces. Services will be held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy. 277 South, Abilene, Texas on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 10:00 AM. Viewing will be an hour prior to the service (9:00 AM) and burial will follow the service at Elmwood Memorial Park. Pastor Jimmy Griffith will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation blessing to Embrace Hospice, Temple (embracehospicellc.com), Belmont Baptist Church, Abilene (belmontbaptistchurch.net) or Meals on Wheels, Abilene (mealsonwheelsplus.com).
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