ARNETTA FELDER

On Monday, January 11, 2021, Arnetta Beatrice Smedley Felder transitioned to her eternal home in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Arnetta was born on October 12, 1944 in Kimball, West Virginia and resided there throughout her childhood years, graduating high school in 1961.

On August 5, 1967, Arnetta married Robert Felder in Dallas, Texas. In 1974, they relocated to Dover, Delaware where they resided for 19 years. During that time, Arnetta worked at the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill. She also served faithfully at Union Missionary Baptist Church. Arnetta enjoyed studying the Word of God. She was a deaconess, missionary member, youth department leader, and attended Sunday School faithfully.

Also, while in Dover, Arnetta took up the hobby of ceramics alongside her mother. Together, they designed platter plates, large bowls, cups, Christmas tree ornaments, and beautiful ceramic dolls. One ceramic project Arnetta was most proud of was her hurricane lamps. She designed more than 100 beautiful lamps which her sister, Glorious, was able to sell.

In 1993, Arnetta and Robert returned to Texas. She enrolled in school and obtained her certification in early childcare and education. She genuinely loved children and enjoyed teaching them. During family gatherings, Arnetta could often be heard sharing stories about the funny things the children would say and do. She referred to them as “her children” and believed that children are God’s little angels.

Arnetta continued her ministry of caring for others through her work as a devoted daycare worker, for several years, at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Dallas, TX. Later, she became the Director of Daycare Ministry at Tabernacle of Praise Missionary Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas. She held that position until she retired in 2012. Arnetta was also a Charter Member of Tabernacle of Praise and served as a deaconess, Sunday School teacher, Director of Drama Ministry, and teacher of the Women’s Ministry.

During their many years in Texas, Arnetta and Robert were known for packing up a food box, hopping in their van and traveling all over the country on a moment’s notice. She enjoyed taking in the beautiful scenery, meeting new people, and, most of all, visiting family members.

Arnetta was always a compassionate and generous giver. She selflessly gave of herself often by assisting others in any way needed. She played a pivotal role in raising all her sibling’s children at one time or another. Indeed, her nephews and nieces (and even great-nephews and great-nieces) considered Arnetta a “second mom” as well as “Auntie”.

Arnetta is preceded in death by her parents, Guy Smedley, Sr. and Lou Irene Bolden Smedley; her brothers, Guy, Jr., Theodore (Tee) and Richard; and her sister, Mikeline. Arnetta leaves to cherish her memory her faithful and loving husband of 53 years, Robert Felder; her sisters, Glorious Carlton (NY) and Shirley Smedley Selby (Clarence P. Selby) (DE); her sister-in-law, Verna Smedley (LA); Aunt Grace Marable Smedley (AL); and a host of Nephews, Nieces, Great-Nephews, Great-Nieces, Cousins and Friends.