Arlean Annie Collier Byram              June 19, 2023

Arlean (Arlene) Annie Collier Byram,

daughter of the late Edward Collier and Mamie Lawson Collier,             

was born in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains near Swift Run, Virginia on January 7, 1932, and went peacefully to be with Jesus on June 19, 2023, at the home she shared with her late husband, Lewis Earl Byram, and lived in for the past seventy-two years.

Arlene accepted Jesus and was baptized as a member of Orange Baptist Church in 1966. She also attended home Bible studies, diligently followed several TV preachers, and believed in the power of prayer. Arlene loved her family and was constantly praying for them.

She is survived by her four children,

Teresa May, Mike Byram and Hyong, Tim Byram and Kim and Dana Garnett and Bryan, eight grandchildren, Eric Harper, Jason Harper, Kristen Breslin, Jonathan Byram, Kristina Cary, Timony Couturier, Caleb Byram and Sarah Byram, and eight great-grandchildren, Hunter Harper, Kiersten Harper, Trenton Harper, Luke Breslin, Kayleigh Breslin, Briar Walker, Savannah McGuire, and Jayce Cary.

Arlene is preceded in death by two brothers, Earman and Berman, four sisters, Mary, Dorothy, Dora, and Della, and son-in-law, Mark May.

Arlene moved to Orange at a young age to live with her sisters. She met Earl, the love of her life, married, and started a family in 1951. She worked at The Silk Mill for many years and then later at Specialty Weavers where she met her lifelong friend Jean Lloyd. 

She was an active member of the Orange VFW Ladies Auxiliary as President, Buddy Poppy Chairman, and Chaplin, where she had many friends and loved selling Buddy Poppies every year to raise money to help others. She regularly visited the Orange Nursing Home to help the elderly play Bingo.

Her favorite times in life were vacations with family to Wildwood, NJ, trips to the mountains to camp, traveling out West, and many day trips just for the ride.

Arlene was “The Queen” of cooking and sharing, making sure everyone was well-fed. No one could duplicate her recipes. Usually, the first words spoken at a visit were “Have you eaten?” She would also take food to others she knew could use extra help.

Arlene is now rejoicing in heaven with her beloved husband, whom she missed terribly, and many other family members and friends who have gone before her to be with Jesus.

Graveside service will be held at Graham Cemetery, Friday, June 23, 2023, at 11:00 am.