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Arlene Smith, 100, of Altoona, passed away Monday at Midtown Oaks Health and Rehab Center. Daughter of the late Junious Daniel Jr. and Maybelle (Powell) Sheard, she was born in Roanoke Rapids, N.C.
In Altoona, on June 16, 1946, she was united in marriage to the late Charles E. Smith, who preceded her in death. She was later united in marriage to the late Arthur Moore.
Arlene is survived by three daughters: Jacqueline A. Smith-Bennett (Jerry), Carole Lee and L'Wanda Greenlaw (Steve); grandchildren: Mylah Martin-Davis (Jeff), Julian Vaughn, Karolyn Gholston (Kelvin), Seth Greenlaw (Faina), Sarah Greenlaw (Ben) and Karin Greenlaw (Brian); great-grandchildren: Imani Vaughn, Jahim Vaughn, Ilana Vaughn and Tiana Vaughn. She is also fondly remembered by stepdaughters, Margo Smith and Anita Moore Jennings; step-granddaughters, Janea and Maya; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Rashaan Vaughn; a brother, Robert Powell; aunt, Celie (Powell) Boone Jones, whom she called "Momma;" and son-in-law, Henry Lee.
Arlene was a graduate of Altoona High School and Pennsylvania State University.
Among her earliest employment experiences was enlistment in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. She had a long career as a machine operator for Butterick Patterns until her retirement in 1986.
She was a lifetime member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she was active with the Sally Harris Missionary Auxiliary.
Arlene was Past Worthy Matron of Joanna #54, Order of the Eastern Star DGC/ PHA-PA. She also volunteered with Blair County NAACP, Blair Senior Companion Program, served as chair on the Blair County Women of Color Fellowship, was on the Booker T. Washington Community Center Board of Directors, helped record books for the blind, and was a finalist/runner up in the Pennsylvania Miss Senior America Pageant, where she also won the Miss Congeniality Award.
She enjoyed writing poetry and stories, playing bingo, scratching off lottery tickets, playing the piano, listening to music and singing.
When asked what her secret to a long life was, she replied, "Always have a goal in mind and eat your collard greens."
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 2024, at The Good Funeral Home Inc., 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona, ending with interment at Oakridge Cemetery, Altoona.
thegoodfuneralhomeinc.com