Arabelle E. Lancaster

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Arabelle E. (Johns) Lancaster, age 102, of Hiller, PA passed away on 10/1/2024 at Mt. Macrina Manor in Uniontown, PA. She was born February 10, 1922, to the late Wallace S. and Mary (Thompson) Johns in Brownsville, PA.

Arabelle was a beautiful soul. She was an artist. She published a book of her paintings, and her work was shown in various exhibits, and won best in show in her genre and many other awards for her outstanding artwork. She was a former member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Brownsville before its closing, and she sang in the choir. She had a beautiful soprano voice and sang for her church, many other churches, weddings, and other special occasions throughout the area. She was a member of the Mon Valley Art Club. She loved watching sports, and the Pittsburgh teams were her favorites, and would also watch the NFL teams where her grandson worked. In her 60’s she returned to school and earned her bachelor’s degree in art at California University of Pennsylvania.

Arabelle began her life in the church at the early age of six. She often told the story of how she decided one Sunday to go by herself to the church across the street where she lived with her father, her stepmother, and her two brothers and became a member of that church, Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Brownsville PA.

At the age of 18, Arabelle was the Lay Organization's delegate to the annual Conference. For more than 50 years she represented Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church at all of the Annual Conferences, as well as the General Conferences while traveling all over the country from Texas to California.

She traveled extensively and lived in the home she and her husband built in 1951 until 2022. She was married to Paul Lancaster, Sr., for more than 50 years. Together they had 2 sons: Paul Jr., a retired Professor Emeritus at California University and Gary, Chief Judge of Western Pennsylvania.

At the age of 63 after retiring from the First National Bank as a teller, she decided, at the suggestion of her 2 sons, to take a few classes at California University of PA. She enrolled in an art class, unaware that she had such a talent for painting. Because of her newfound talent, she decided to enroll in the University full-time. Four years later she graduated with honors and with a bachelor’s degree in arts.

Arabelle remained active throughout her life and at the "young age" of 97 she spent her days painting, cooking, and playing bridge at the Center in The Woods for Seniors in California, PA.

Her favorite quote is the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the things I can and, the wisdom to know the difference." She always advised others to “put God first in your life.”

Arabelle is preceded in death by her husband, Paul L. Lancaster, Sr., and sons: Gary Lancaster and Paul “Larry” Lancaster. Jr; parents: Wallace and Mary Johns; siblings: Allen, Armond, Paul, Ronald, and Alice.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter-in-law, Adrienne Lancaster of Hiller, PA; grandsons: Paul L. (Janine) Lancaster III of Philadelphia, PA, and Christopher (Lauren) Lancaster of Scottdale, PA, and Matt Lancaster of Pittsburgh, PA; great-grandchildren: Paul L. Lancaster IV, Hunter Lancaster, Tristan Lancaster, and Lila Lancaster; other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family would like to thank staff at Mt. Macrina Manor and OSPTA for their kind and supportive care.

Friends will be received at the LANTZ Funeral Home, Inc., 297 E. Main St., Uniontown, PA on Saturday, October 5th from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. The funeral will begin at 1:00 PM with Pastor Gary Yarbrough eulogizing.

Condolences and floral tributes may be submitted via www.lantzfh.com.

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