Arlene R. Keyser

Arlene R. Keyser went to be with the Lord on September 26, 2024. She was born in October of 1938 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Margaret and Harry Klumpp. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harvey Keyser; their infant daughter, Jo Ann; and Arlene’s sister, Audrey “Peachie” Brockwell.

 Arlene studied business courses in high school in northeast Philadelphia. Once she graduated she married the love of her life, Harvey, when she was 17 years old. In 1967, they relocated with their three daughters to Lynchburg, Virginia for career reasons. 

 Arlene took wonderful care of her children, husband, and household. She was a school volunteer and then began working at Holy Cross school until 1982. At that time she began her career with Carolina Steel in Madison Heights where she worked until retirement. She was an avid reader of novels, newspapers and magazines. She stressed the importance of education to her daughters. 

 Arlene was a strong believer in Christ and she prayed lengthy daily devotions. Her faith is what she relied on. She converted to Catholicism in 1984. She volunteered on several Holy Cross Church liturgical committees, she counted offerings and she served as a Eucharistic Minister along with Harvey.

 Arlene was a hospital volunteer after she retired, working with newborns and NICU patients. From there she volunteered at the Pearson Regional Cancer Center. 

 Arlene treasured her role as “Gran.” She cherished her faith, her family and her wonderful grandchildren.

 In John 14: 1-4, we find solace that Jesus said, “do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

 Arlene is survived by her three daughters, Terry Pinnelli (Charles), Kathy Moss (Mike) and Janet Keyser (John Kelly); her grandchildren: Ali Moss (Mack Childress), Charles Pinnelli (Emily), Amanda Pavoni (Mario), Joseph Moss (Jessica), Steven Pinnelli (Katie O’Brien), and Luke Balas (Janna); her great grandchildren, Mia Pavoni, Alyvia Pavoni, Mario Pavoni, Charlie Pinnelli, Gray Wheeler, and Conner Wheeler. 

 In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to, Westminster at Home-Home Health and Hospice Care, St. Jude Research Hospital (St. Jude), or, Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lynchburg.  

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 1 P.M. with a visitation one hour prior. There will be a procession to St. Thomas More Columbarium following the service for her final resting place. 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.