Arline Holt Small

Arline Holt Small, 95 of Colonial Heights, passed on to a better life at home on October 12, 2023.  Born January 3, 1928 in Matoaca, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Naomi Holt and was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Holt Partin and Mildred Holt Robertson.  She met and married the love of her life, Herbert Small on October 14, 1947 in Matoaca. She worked at Tots and Teens in Downtown Petersburg and later on worked part-time for Carter House in Colonial Heights. But mostly she was a loving wife and a wonderful mother to her two daughters. Arline was the best Mee-maw to her grandchildren, always assuring them they had the most fun at her home by making up scavenger hunts, putting up indoor tents, playing restaurant and games. She was a caring woman who was always busy doing for others by visiting, baking, or making a meal.  Arline was a founding member of Colonial Christian Church in Colonial Heights where she sang in the choir, became the choir director for over 16 years, was an Elder and taught children in Sunday School and Bible School.  She actually started her musical career when she was 6 yrs. old singing on a Petersburg Radio Station. Over her lifetime, she sang with her beautiful voice not only in the choir at church, but also for many weddings, funerals and civic groups.  She is survived by her loving husband of 76 years, Herbert S Small, two daughters, Susan Small Belcher (Earl), Nancy Small Barnes (Kris), four grandchildren, Ashley Watkins McSwain (Thomas), Austin Kris Barnes (Holly), Kelsey Paige Barnes (Kerry), Callie Elisabeth Belcher (Michael), and one great grandchild, Brooklyn Faye McSwain. The family would like to thank Crater Community Hospice and our in-home caregivers for the excellent care that was given during her illness.  A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2023 at the Colonial Christian Church, 295 Dunlop Farms Blvd, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834 with the Rev. Kathryn Hull officiating.  Interment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, S. Prince George, Virginia.  The family will receive friends Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Colonial Christian Church. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.