Arlene was born in New York City on March 22, 1961.  She was one of four children born to Mr. Steve Esteves and Mrs. Nora Moody. 

Arlene’s family relocated to Edisto Island, South Carolina in the early 70’s.  She    attended Jane Edwards Elementary and Robert D. Schroder Middle Schools.      Arlene was a graduate of the Baptist Hill High School Class of 1979.  After high school, she attended Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts.  Arlene returned to Charleston after a year at Brandeis and attended Farah’s Beauty College. There, she earned her Cosmetology License.

Arlene worked in a number of fields throughout her life including time as a cosmetologist, home day care provider, thrift store owner, nursing assistant, school secretary, political campaign organizer, and caretaker. Arlene was extremely proud of her work as a political campaign organizer for the 2008 Campaign of President Barack Obama.  She had the opportunity to go to Ohio where she walked door-to-door encouraging people to get out and vote for then, presidential candidate Barack Obama.  After the election, she was invited to attend the inauguration celebration of the first African-American President of the United States.  This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Arlene. 

Arlene was full of life to say the least; she made everyone feel like family.  Her purpose in life was to be a “GREAT MOTHER” and this, she did for many. Arlene loved to entertain, travel and enjoy life. Even after she received the devastating diagnosis of having both breast and cervical cancer in 2014, she continued to live life to its fullest.  Arlene was the epitome of a fighter to the end.

On Saturday, August 20, 2016, the fight was over.  God called her home to live in paradise.  She is no longer physically with us, but her spirit will forever live on in the hearts and minds of her children, Eric Esteves (Simone) of Boston, MA, Evita Esteves of Charleston, SC, and Carmen Esteves of    Atlanta, GA; her grandchildren, Amare, Chad, and Myles; parents, Steve Esteves and Nora Moody (Louis); her sisters, Gloria Esteves and Evelyn Battle; her brother, Greg Esteves (Cheryl); her aunts, Jean Salazar, Gilda Woodlon, Kim White, and Barbara Woodlon; special aunt, Patricia Edwards; uncle, Steven Stein; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, neighbors, and friends. Those who had a friend in Arlene had a true friend for life.