Arletha Teal

ARLETHA TEAL, affectionately known as “Auntie,” was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on May 14, 1934, to the late Alice and Willie Richard Shelly. Arletha peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in the comfort of her home.

Arletha grew up in Rocky Mount, NC, working with her four brothers on the farm. Arletha was educated in the Rocky Mount School District, where she graduated from Annie W. Hollen Public School. Upon graduation from school, she worked as a home health aide. In her early 20s, Arletha relocated to Baltimore, MD, where she met Mr. Marvin Teal, and they married in 1965.

While living in Baltimore, MD, she joined The Ark Church of Baltimore, MD, where she found a loving church community. She was a proud member under the leadership of Bishop J.L. Carter, where she served faithfully on the Mother's Board, until her health began to decline and the Lord called her home.

Arletha lived a full life as a wonderful wife, homemaker, and caregiver. She was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, her church, and her community.  She was also a keeper of things. She was the queen of “reduce, reuse, recycle” before it became a popular way of life. She also had many passions. Arletha loved watching her favorite soap operas, “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “Young and the Restless,” game shows, “The Price is Right,” and “Let’s Make a Deal” while catching up with her beloved nieces over the phone.

She was predeceased by her devoted husband Marvin, beloved brothers: Cecil, Oliver Burt, Leroy, and Richard, Jr., cherished niece, Francesca, and dear nephew, Dennis.

Arletha leaves to cherish her memory nieces: Mattie Garcia (Michael-deceased), Celeste Marrero (Willie), Jacqueline Johnson (Robert), Emily Mohabeer (Dhanpaul), Valerie Shelly, Ernestine Augustin (Joany); nephews Alonzo Shelly and Paul Shelly (Sylvina); a beloved caregiver Valerie Walker, and close friend Mimi and a host of other beloved great nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.