“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there.

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”    –Job 1:21

Arlene Armistead Ramsey, 62, of Gloucester, died unexpectedly on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019.

Arlene was an active member of Newington Baptist Church, Gloucester, and attended Middlebrook Church of God when she was at her mountain home.

Her love and loyalty to family took second place only to her love for God; she leaves a wonderful legacy. She was very strong in her faith during her husband’s illness. She would always end her “Jack updates” by writing “God is bigger than this.” She was a mentor and hero to many going through a hard journey; touching many lives with her faith, determination, and “happy” attitude. She was everyone’s friend.

She graduated from Mathews High School in 1975 and retired from the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal in June 2017 after working there for 37 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maywood and Rachel Armistead, and husband of 34 years, Jacqy Ray “Jack” Ramsey who died on Jan. 6, 2019.

She is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Bridget Sibley (Chris), Amy Manuel (Clint), Emilee Haskins (Michael), and Jackie Sherer (Jamie); 17 grandchildren, Logan and Raegan Sibley, Miranda Updegraft (Fred), Chandler, Coleman, Conner, Cymon and Merritt Manuel, Nathanael, Samuel, Emma, Meredith, Eli and Benjamin Haskins, Zachary, Moriah and Xander Sherer; great-grandchildren, Emmett and Amelia Updegraft.   

Visitation was held from 2-3 p.m. Tuesday in Newington Baptist Church, Gloucester, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3 o’clock. Graveside service followed in the Newington Cemetery. A time of fellowship followed in the church social hall.

Thank you to Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, for handling the arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to General Anthony Wayne DAV Chapter 58, 6265 Professional Drive, Gloucester, Va. 23061 and Riverheads Volunteer Fire Department, 49 Swartzel Shop Road, Staunton, Va. 24401.

“Her purpose was fulfilled.”