Obituary of Arland W. Poindexter, Jr.

Arland William Poindexter, Jr., son of the late Arland William Poindexter, Sr. and Wilhemina Poindexter, departed this world on Saturday October 4, 2014. Born August 18, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Arland was the eldest of five children and was preceded in death by his brother, James A. Poindexter. Arland was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System and graduated from West Philadelphia High School. He continued his education at Morgan State University, where he obtained a bachelor's of science degree in Education. He later earned his Master's degree in Special Education from Marywood University. After achieving his higher education goals, Arland worked as an educator in the Philadelphia Public School System for more than 25 years educating, nurturing and mentoring his students. As a teenager, Arland met the love of his life, Priscella. They were wed in holy matrimony in 1966 and recently celebrated their forty-eighth wedding anniversary. From this union, two sons were born, Arland III and Brian. The family moved from Philadelphia to Chesilhurst, New Jersey in 1972. Arland became ver involved in the community affairs, including athletic coaching, mentoring and politics. He served on the Chesilhurst City Council for seven years, and subsequently served as Mayor of Chesilhurst for more than 20 years. During that time he became the President of the Camden County Mayors Association, and was a member of the National Conference of Black Mayors. Arland started his Christian walk at an early age at Monumental Baptist Church in Philadelphia. As a member of the Young People's Division (YPD), he participated in numerous youth activities and was always available to lend a helping hand. He became a member of Grant A.M.E. Church in the late 1970's under the leadership of Reverend Carl Wade. Over the years, Arland served his church family in many capacities, most recently as a trustee. Arland enjoyed many extra- curricular activities. He was an avid fisherman, and also loved roller skating, music, science fiction and his Philadelphia Eagles. Arland leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Priscilla; two sons, Arland III (Sandra), of Bowie Maryland and Brian (Pamela) of Chesilhurst, New Jersey; two brothers, Allen Poindexter and Ronald Poindexter (Ramona) all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; a sister Arlene Waters of Chesilhurst, New Jersey; sister-in-laws Barbara House (William), of Bear Delaware, Belinda Thompson (Willie) , of Greensboro, North Carolina and Jean Poindexter, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; four grandchildren, Alexis, Jailyn, Jarret and Joshua and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.