Arlene Beverly Johnson, 63, social worker
She was also an occupational trainer and a gourmet cook.
HER FAMILY called Arlene Beverly a "force to be reckoned with."
That was because Arlene, from childhood, "had definite opinions and specific requirements for the way things should be done," her family said.
"Somehow she often prevailed in making others see things from her perspective."
It seemed that everything Arlene did, she did it the best it could be done, from music and ballet to gourmet cooking to her professions as a dedicated social worker, court officer and occupational trainer.
Arlene Beverly Johnson, a social worker with the Philadelphia Department of Public Welfare, a hearing officer for Family Court, a counselor and teacher for the District 1199C Training and Upgrade Fund, a dedicated churchwoman, a mother and a sports fan, died of breast cancer Sept. 18. She was 63.
She was the third of Joseph and Jean Faust's four children. She attended the Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School and Philadelphia High School for Girls.
She studied piano and violin and took ballet lessons. She delighted in music and dance recitals.
Arlene earned a bachelor's degree in social work from Howard University. She worked as a social worker for the Welfare Department and as a hearing officer for the Domestic Relations Unit of Philadelphia Family Court.
For the last 15 years, she served as assessment counselor and teacher for the District 1199C training program.
"She performed her duties expertly and wholeheartedly knowing that she was literally giving her students the keys to doors with untold opportunities," her family said. "She loved her work and was so gratified to know that her efforts were truly fruitful."
As a member of White Rock Baptist Church, Arlene was involved with the Brownies, the Girl Scouts, the youth choir and the Junior Usher Board. She taught at the church school and was active with the youth ministry.
She was a discussion leader for the Lucy A. Johnson Library Committee, and a faithful member of the Sheepfold Ministry of Joshua and James.
In the wider church community, Arlene was a member of the Greater Saint Matthew Independent Church Drama Ministry, and for several years served as an innovative workshop leader at its women's retreats.
She was a gourmet cook, an accomplished baker, a fan of "Star Trek," a political junkie and a sports fan so knowledgeable that she could talk about the Eagles and 76ers with the best experts.
She is survived by her twin sons, Richard Bryan and Ryan Brandon, and three grandchildren.
Services: Were yesterday. Burial was private.