Arwilda L. Shoemaker

Arwilda L. Shoemaker, age 85, of Millville, died on Tuesday, September 11, 2012, a resident of Muncy Valley Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit. Arwilda was born on Tuesday, June 5, 1928 in Madison Township, a daughter of the late J. Arthur and Rita (Kinney) Love. During her earlier years, she attended and later graduated from the Millville High School in June of 1947. Following her high school education, she attended and graduated from Bloomsburg University in May of 1968 with a degree in Elementary Education. Prior to starting college at age 38, she had a bakery route, worked as a Nurses Aide at Geisinger, and was also the head cook for Greenwood Elementary School. She was an elementary school teacher in Millville from 1968 to 1974. From 1974 to 1985, she was an elementary teacher for the Bloomsburg Christian School formerly located on Fifth Street in Bloomsburg. In 1985, she retired her teaching career of over 17 years. She was a life-long member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Greenwood Township where she served as an organist. She also served as a Cub Scout Leader in Millville, and was known as “Our-Wilda” to many children in the Millville Area. Throughout her life, she enjoyed spending time reading, writing, sewing and hand writing letters. One of her poems called “Rhyme Time” for children was published in the Pockets Magazine. On December 30, 1996, Arwilda was preceded by her beloved husband, J. James Shoemaker. She was also preceded by a sister, Eveland Thomas and a brother, as a child, Monroe Love. Survivors include two sons: James A. Shoemaker and wife, Sheri, of Venus, FL; and J. George Shoemaker and wife, Judy, of Winter Haven, FL; three grandsons: James G. Shoemaker of Columbus, GA; Shawn E. Shoemaker of Benton; and Benjamin Prill of Hanes City, FL; four granddaughters: Deanna C. Shoemaker of Philadelphia; Ashley W. Shoemaker of Northumberland; Ashley L. Miller of Hughesville; and Laura Zapalski of Lake Wills, FL; three great-grandchildren: Danielle and Kahlil Rodriguez, and Tabitha Zapalski; and also a brother: Arnold Love and wife, Mary, of Montgomery. A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, September 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. from the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 107 W. Main and Railroad St., Millville. Funeral Services will begin on Saturday, September 15 at 11 a.m. at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1314 State Route 254, Millville with Rev. Timothy Valiante, officiating. Graveside services where Arwilda will be laid to rest will be held in the Millville Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to: Emmanuel Baptist Church, Millville, PA 17846 or the Pleasant View Wesley Church, 994 E. Penn St., Muncy, PA 17756.

Arwilda L. Shoemaker

June 5, 1928 - September 11, 2012