Born on October 17,1940 in Bedford, VA, she was a daughter of the late Garnette Leonard Underwood and Irene Mae Janney Underwood.
Arlette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy was her family. A longtime faithful member of Rock Pike Baptist Church, she was a God-fearing Christian who loved and faithfully served her Savior, her church, and her church family. As a homemaker for most of her life, Arlette lovingly cared for her family with quiet strength, grace, and unwavering devotion. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were all blessed by her compassionate and steadfast care.
Arlette cherished every opportunity to bring her family together around the table, serving as the heart and glue of the "Wilson Family Compound." She also found peace and happiness in tending her garden, especially her beautiful rose bushes and tomato plants, which reflected the same patience, care, and love she poured into the lives of those around her. She will be remembered for her faithful spirit, gentle kindness, and the enduring legacy of love she leaves with her family and all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Arlette was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Dodridge Wilson and three sons, Mike, Kenny and Danny Wilson.
Arlette leaves behind three daughters, Rhonda Lynn Epperson (Ronnie), Melissa Renea Hight (Rick) and Tracie LaVern Marshall (David); one brother, Alvin Underwood; six grandchildren, Anthony Epperson (Julia), Kristie Hight, Christopher Marshall, Ashley Herman (Jonathan), Chelsea Wilson (Grunt) and Skylar Marshall; and eight great-grandchildren, Kayla, RJ, Brodie, Kirra, Carter, Bentley, Harley and Oakley.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Rock Pike Baptist Church with Pastors John Sines and Sam Stump officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
If anyone wishes to make memorial donations to honor Arlette, please consider Rock Pike Baptist Church: Building Fund, 1117 Blackwater Road, Forest, VA 24551.
The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Gentle Shepherd Hospice, especially Lori, Kelly and Erica, for their extraordinary care shown to Arlette and her family during this time.
