FUneral_Program

Sunrise: 1/23/1933 Sunset: 4/17/2022
I prai se you, for I am
The Lord i s
fearfully
&
my shepherd, I shal l
wonder
fullymade.
not want .
Arline Hamilton Walls
The Homegoing
Friday | May 6 | 2022
Oxford Presbyterian Church
8501 Stenton Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19150

Obituary
Arline Myrtle Hamilton Walls was a “Philly Girl” through and through. She was born in
Philadelphia on January 23, 1933, during the height of The Depression, into a loving and
resourceful family, anchored by her parents: Helen Lorraine Berry and Harry “Ham”
Hamilton. Arline was little sister to Lorraine, George and Harry Jr. and big sister to Shirley.
She was an adventurous child, known to travel throughout the city with a lively and multigenerational
cast of characters. An early exposure to the Girl Scouts fostered a lifelong love of
the outdoors and a deep sense of self-sufficiency. Years later she became a scout leader, sharing
her joy and enthusiasm with many young women in her Cobbs Creek neighborhood.
Arline lived her whole life in and near West Philadelphia. She attended Samuel B Huey
Elementary School., Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr High School and The Philadelphia High
School for Girls, graduating in 1950 with the 179th class. As a testament to her nurturing and
fun-loving spirit, she maintained close friendships with classmates from each phase of her
education. To the last day of her earthly life, it was a pleasure to hear her laughing about good
times shared through the decades.
Arline had a knack for administration, established early by “playing” secretary to her father as
he worked for civic organizations like The Armstrong Association and the West Philadelphia
Citizen’s League. She followed her joy of details to Temple School of Business, where she
received an Associate’s Degree in a Secretarial Course. Throughout her working life, which
included a 35 year career with The Mental Health Consortium of Philadelphia as a payroll
specialist, Arline was beloved as a real team player who led by example, using charm, kindness
and grace as the foundation for every interaction.
Her quiet style of leadership was further exemplified by her service as a member of Richardson
Memorial Church, First African Presbyterian Church and, ultimately, New River Presbyterian
Church, of which she has been a proud founding member. Arline began her walk of faith on
October 12, 1952, baptized at St Thomas Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. Her Christian
devotion continued to grow as she studied and engaged with the word and within her church
families.
In her personal life, Arline entered into Holy Matrimony with Andrew Theodore Walls at St.
Thomas Episcopal Church, in Philadelphia, on June 5th, 1954. Among the first Black
homeowners in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood of West Philly, Arline and “Teddy” began a
family, welcoming 3 children who blossomed within a thriving Black Community during the
early 1960’s. As Matriarch of her clan, she is forever the root, the river, the seed and bridge to
generations of our family.
Because she loved and served the Lord, Arline rejoiced to join the ancestors on April 17, 2022.
Bathed in Eternal Light, she went home to her Jesus on Resurrection Sunday, surrounded by
loved ones in a state of peaceful composure. She leaves to cherish her memory and uphold her
name, her children: Stephen, Michael and Andrea; her grandchildren: Christopher, Anastazja,
Matthew and Xavion; her great-grandchildren: Shawn, Justin and Isaiah; her daughters-inlove:
Gloria and Angela; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and chosen family. To live with
joy is to honor her memory.

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice & be glad in it.”
Order of Worship
Musical Prelude: Michelle McCrae, Pianist
“Soon & Very Soon”
*Call to Worship: Pastor Eustacia Moffett-Marshall
*Opening Hymn:
“Blessed Assurance”
Prayer of Comfort: Shawn George
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 91: Gloria McGilberry
John 14:1-6; 25-27: Patricia Miller Scott
Musical Selection: Malyka Sankofa & Samuel Wilson
“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
Reflections: Sandra Alexander, Michael Walls, Stephen Walls,
Acknowledgement of Condolences: Lorraine McKenzie
Reading of the Obituary: Loretta Fuller
Musical Selection: Malyka Sankofa & Samuel Wilson
“It Is Well With My Soul”
Eulogy: Pastor Eustacia Moffett-Marshall
*Recessional Hymn: Michelle McRae
“When The Saints Go Marching In”
*Please Stand
Repast to Follow

I Am Just Fine
To my family and friends, don’t worry about me.
I am truly happy as can be.
I have completed my work here on God’s Earth.
I’ve worked at it joyfully since my birth.
My mission for God has never been a hard one.
I enjoyed life and had fun!!
Carry on my precious loved ones…
Always remember all the happy times
My spirit is free now, I am with my Father above
He is taking great care of me
Just remember I love you all
My spirit has spiritual bliss
God makes no mistakes
Just smile when you think of me
When you sit and reminisce
The family of Arline Walls wishes to express our sincere gratitude for your prayers and condolences
during our temporary season of grief. Your prayers continue to be a sustaining source of strength and
comfort. We are pleased to know that our loved one was so cherished and that we may count each of you
among our many blessings.
Professional Services Provided By:
Wood Funeral Home
5537-39 W Girard Avenue
Philadelphia PA 19131
215-878-5416
Cynthia E Wood, LFD
Wanda A Wood, LFD