Born in Amherst on May 17, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Lemon Wiley Johns and Virgie Hamilton Johns. She was the devoted wife of 53 years to John Wesley Staples Sr.
Known to many as "Girlie Mae," Arelene had a personality all her own. She could dab a bingo marker faster than you could blink your eye and could find a bargain anywhere, especially a good yard sale. She devoted her whole life to caring for children, from babysitting to opening her home and her heart to many foster children whom she loved as her own.
In addition to her husband and parents, Arelene was preceded in death by two sons, Jeffrey Scott Staples and John Wesley "Chopper" Staples Jr.; her sisters, Margaret Ann and Lorene Johns; her brothers, Matthew, Warren, Leonard, Dewey, and Mitchell Johns; and three granddaughters, Candi, Crystal, and Carrie Staples.
Left to cherish her memory are her devoted son, Jason Brian Staples; one stepson, Joseph Ray Staples; and the apples of her eye, her grandchildren, Kristen, Jessica, Amber, Jonathan, Tyler, Dustin, Jason Jr., and Ryan; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Donald (Shery|) and Brent "Trenty"; her sisters, Bonnie (Clarence) and Thelma (Roy); special brother-in-law Burnley Mack "JR" Staples Jr.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and special friends, Judy and Debbie.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Heartland Hospice and Nurse Jill for the love, care, and compassion shown to Arelene and her family over the past several weeks.
A service celebrating Arelene's life will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, with Pastor Dwayne Martin officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and at other times at the residence of Donald and Sheryl.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Disabled American Veterans.
Arelene will be remembered for her generous heart, her love for children, her one-of-a- kind personality, and the many lives she touched throughout her 80 years. She will be deeply missed and forever loved by her family and all who knew her.
