Arlene Layne Stanton

Arlene Layne Stanton, a resident of the Enon community of Chester, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, at the age of 102, in her home of 76 years. Born in Hopewell, Virginia, in the family home, she was the daughter of Ola Morsie Jefferson and Robert Tan Layne, Sr. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Roland Theodore “Ted" Stanton; her five sisters, Helen Midgette, Nellye Washabaugh, Ida Dorothy Layne, Edythe Smith, and Florence House; her brother, Robert Tan Layne, Jr.; and her son-in-law, Joseph L. McDaniel. She is survived by her children, Nancy Stanton McDaniel, Ted W. Stanton (Karen), and Timothy L. Stanton (Lois); three grandsons, Ted (Rachel, fiancée), Nathaniel, and Nicholas; and many nieces and nephews.

Arlene was a devoted wife to her husband and a wonderful mother to her children, encouraging and loving them and making each feel special and cherished. She was a stay-at-home mother until she decided to become a teacher’s aide at Enon Elementary School, fulfilling her desire to be an educator before retiring at age 74. She loved being a grandmother to her three grandsons. Music was her passion, and she served as a church pianist and organist for over 50 years, mostly at Bermuda Hundred United Methodist Church, where she was a dedicated member for over 60 years.

She had many wonderful friends who enjoyed their coffee klatches and trips together. She loved going to the Y, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, watching game shows and Hallmark movies, doing her daily Wordle, walking in the leaves, and admiring the clouds and the moon—her favorite. She was lovely and amazing and an inspiration to many, including her children, who will miss her dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Bermuda Hundred United Methodist Church, located at 2025 Florence Avenue, Chester, VA 23836. A visitation will be held the evening prior from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, located at 3050 W. Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23831. Interment will be at 10:00am on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Bermuda Memorial Park, located at 1901 Old Bermuda Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23836. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Bermuda Hundred United Methodist Church or Crater Community Hospice, 3916 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805.