Arlene Dawson (Pollard) Connell

Arlene Dawson (Pollard) Connell, 90, of Yorktown, Virginia, passed away on August 30, 2026, following a brief illness.
Born and raised in Dare, Virginia, Arlene carried throughout her life the values of service, faith, and steady dedication that shaped both her family life and her work in the community. She graduated from Poquoson High School in 1954.

Arlene devoted much of her professional life to public service in York County. She began her career in the York County Commissioner of Revenue office and later moved to the Treasurer’s Office as head cashier. Through years of committed work, she advanced to Deputy Treasurer and, in 1983, was appointed Treasurer of York County when Glenn Page retired. She completed a three-year program administered by the University of Virginia Center for Public Service, earning the title of Certified Governmental Treasurer, a distinction that required continuing coursework for recertification every four years. She then sought the office in her own right and was elected to three consecutive four-year terms. Her tenure reflected a long and respected commitment to local government before her retirement in 1998. She was also an active member of the State Treasurer’s Association.
Retirement marked the beginning of another productive chapter. Arlene established her consulting business, Arlene’s Business Concepts, through which she assisted many localities across Virginia as they prepared for state audits and advanced their technology applications. Her interest in serving others continued in many forms. She served as treasurer for the York County Senior Center and later became a certified “Body Recall” instructor, teaching exercise classes there for several years. She also gave many years of service to the homeowner’s association board of the Glen Laurel community, first as Treasurer and later as President.
Her life was grounded in a strong faith in God, inspired by a long family legacy of faithful servants. Her parents were pillars in the Dare community and lifelong members of Providence United Methodist Church, and her father owned a country store near the Dare crossroads. At the time of her death, Arlene was a member of Northside Christian Church. She also gave her time to many charitable causes and for a period worked at a Crisis Hotline serving those facing addiction and substance abuse. In addition, she belonged to the local Kiwanis Club and organized years of class reunions for Poquoson High School class of ‘54.

Arlene was known as a leader in her community and as a woman who was smart, resilient, generous, and kind. She loved the Lord and loved her family, and she carried a heart of service into every area of her life. She was happiest when “feeding” people, not only with food, but also with resources when they were struggling or in need. That spirit was evident around her table, in her work, and in the many practical ways she helped others.

She was a good cook and took special joy in feeding people during holidays and family gatherings, including Connell family reunions at Lake Gaston. During the years she was married to Jimmy Pollard, she learned the floral business, helping with operations while deepening her love of plants and flowers. She also enjoyed boating and sailing, cruising, traveling to bluegrass festivals, and crochet. These interests added warmth and color to a life already full of meaningful work and generous involvement with others.

Arlene is survived by her daughter, Kathy Coppa Stinson (Bruce); her brother, Wallace Dawson (Bonnie); and her sisters, Marylee Dawson and Ginny Dawson Sekula (Dave). Her grandchildren are A.J. Coppa IV (Alaina) and Adam Coppa. Her great-grandchildren are Anthony Coppa V, Lucy Coppa, Owen Salotti, and Greyson Salotti. Her legacy includes stepdaughters, Sharon, Nancy, Pam (Pollard) and Linda Nunnally (Connell) as well as many nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren and extended family, all whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Arnetia Dawson; her daughter, Jenelda Stratton; her granddaughter, Amy Stratton Salotti and step-granddaughter Anne Niehous; and her husband, Doug Connell.

Arlene leaves behind a life defined by public service, faithful commitment, and care for others. Her work, her generosity, and her enduring devotion to family and community will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude by all who knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held on September 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Northside Christian Church, 1300 George Washington Memorial Highway. Visitation will follow the service, with a private family burial on Monday, September 14th at Providence United Methodist Church.

A special thank you to the staff/caregivers at Elite Elder Care for their loving attention and support over the last 18 months.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, THRIVE Peninsula, or Northside Christian Church.
Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home, Yorktown, VA.