M. Arlene Spurlock's Obituary
Melissa Arlene Spurlock passed away on March 5th, 2018. She was born March 6th, 1924 to Elna and Cecil Spurlock in Chesire Township Gallia County Ohio. Siblings were William, Mark, Roger, Ellen and Wanda. Arlene graduated from Rio Grande nursing school in Rio Grande, Ohio in 1942. She then became a missionary for 40 plus years in Niamey, Niger Africa.
She was a nurse at the Evangelical Baptist Mission of Goudel. She knew traditional medicine as well as modern medicine. Many felt she had more powerful medicine because she prayed for the patient along with giving medicine.
She was part of a group that translated the entire bible in the Zarma language.
She spoke many languages. She knew all the proverbs Zarma and spoke in tchouro Sanni (the language of birds)
Arlene’s Nigerien name was Halima.
(Halima or Mo Kolozi)
She was a member of the Baptist Mission Agencies for most all of her life.
She was loved by many all over the world and will be sorely missed but is no longer in pain. She is survived by niece Loretta (Bob) McWhorter, their son Jeffrey, nephew Frank (Jill) Hess, their children Nicole, Frankie and Will, niece Leisa Schumacher and her children Tyler and Madeleine.
Her funeral services will be held on Saturday March 10th, 2018 at Fellowship Baptist Church 3321 63rd Ave E in Bradenton. Viewing/Visitation at 9:00am, Funeral Service at 10:00am with interment to follow at Skyway Memorial Gardens. Services entrusted to Skyway Funeral Home www. SkywayMemorial.com .
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Fellowship Baptist Church for their missionary fund.
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