America Ann Arkilic

America Ann Arkilic was born on December 3, 1932, in Martinsville, Virginia, the daughter of parents Elmer Byxbee Bryan and Sallie Louise Motley and sister to Sallie, Jim, Mary, and Joe. From the time she could hold a paintbrush and thread a needle, Ann brought beauty into the world through her love of art and homemaking, starting in the kitchen and later inspiring her mission work in Mexico, where she taught sewing to young women. Ann's childhood interests grew into lifelong passions when she attended Northwestern University in Chicago to study Home Economics, a journey she embarked upon that led to meeting her beloved husband, Galip Mehmet Arkilic.

Ann's greatest joy was her family, and to her family she brought the greatest joy. Any table she set always had an extra seat for anyone who visited or was in need, with an open invitation to return. Whether cooking for her family and a collection of children's friends, hosting parties for the American Turkish Association, leading Girl Scout troops, or convening china painting sessions with local artists, her heart and home welcomed all. She stitched together our lives like her beautiful patchwork quilts -- with love, dedication, and a vision for the whole that found the beauty in each part.

Ann passed away peacefully in Falls Church, Virginia, in the loving arms and prayers of her family. Her legacy lives on in the love she and Galip shared with their four children Victor, Dennis, Layla, and Errol, and in her loving grandchildren, dear family members, and close friends who will carry her memory with them always.

A visitation will be held on November 7, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm at Murphy Funeral Home, located at 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203.

Following the visitation, a memorial funeral service will take place from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at the same location.

A graveside service is scheduled for 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held at the family home, located at 928 N Garfield St, Arlington, VA, starting at 2:30 pm.