CATHERINE ARLENE BURCH ENGLISH, affectionately known as “Nanaw”, age 80, of Essex County, Virginia, entered into eternal rest on May 31, 2026. She was proud to call Tappahannock her home and wore the local born “from here” title with honor. Arlene held a deep love for her community, the rivah, and the people who made it special. She was the beloved daughter of Jack Covington Burch and Susie Elma (Polly) Covington Burch, of Essex County, Virginia.

Born on February 16, 1946, Arlene was raised on the Burch Family Farm in Howerton, Virginia, where she learned the values of hard work, perseverance, family devotion, and love that would guide her throughout her life.

To know Arlene was to know a woman of extraordinary strength, unwavering determination, and immeasurable love. She was a devoted mother, proud grandmother, beloved sister, and loyal friend. She loved deeply, gave generously, and never hesitated to put the needs of those she loved before her own. Her remarkable wisdom was deeply respected and often sought, as it was paired with honesty, sound judgment, and a perspective others trusted. Arlene spoke candidly, offered counsel when necessary, and stood firmly by her convictions. Alongside her no-nonsense nature was a sharp wit and an ability to find humor in everyday situations. Yet those who knew her best understood that behind that strong exterior was a deeply caring heart, revealed through a lifetime of love, service, and devotion. One of Arlene's greatest gifts was making people feel welcome. She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and quietly exemplified Christlike love through her service, compassion, and devotion to others. Her door was always open, and she never hesitated to make room for one more at her table. Whether you arrived as family, a friend, a neighbor, or customer, chances were, you would leave feeling loved. Her greatest joys were found in the simple moments: family gathered around the table, holiday celebrations filled with laughter, and loving hugs and kisses from the granddaughters she adored.

As those who loved her often joked, Arlene was as stubborn as a mule, but it was that same determination that carried her through life's many hardships with courage and grace. After the passing of her beloved mother, "Mumma," Arlene naturally stepped into the role of family matriarch. She carried that responsibility with dignity and love, becoming the steady foundation upon which so many leaned.

Some of Arlene's fondest memories were made alongside her siblings on the Burch Family Farm, where long days of harvesting corn helped shape the strong work ethic she carried throughout her life. Their father often joked that although he was raising three girls and two boys, it felt as though he had five boys because the girls worked every bit as hard, if not harder, than their brothers. Family members still chuckle that the five Burch siblings could probably harvest more corn by hand in an hour than a combine harvester could in an entire day.

Few things made Arlene happier than spending time outdoors, tending to her garden and caring for the yard she took such pride in. It was her happy place, a place where she found peace, purpose, and contentment. Whether planting, pruning, or mowing the lawn in her signature vintage terry cloth romper, she approached every task with the same care and determination that defined her life. Many would remark how her grass seemed ‘just a little greener’ than every other lawn in the neighborhood. While she appreciated flowers of every kind, the classic red rose remained her favorite.

Blessed with talent, determination, and an unwavering work ethic, Arlene built a thriving business that became a cherished part of her community for more than twenty-five years. After attending cosmetology school, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a beautician and opened Arlene's Hair Magic, an in-home salon that welcomed hundreds of loyal clients through its doors over the years. While many came for a haircut, they often returned for the conversation. Arlene had a remarkable gift for making people feel comfortable, listening without judgment, and offering thoughtful guidance when it was needed most. What began as client relationships often blossomed into lifelong friendships. She also took great pride in giving many first haircuts to her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, making her profession a meaningful extension of her love for family.

Family gatherings around her table created some of life's sweetest memories. An exceptional cook, she created meals that quickly became treasured family traditions. Whether it was her famous tractor pullin' chicken, she crab soup, barbecue short ribs, squash casserole, rice pudding, baked beans, homemade rolls, bread pudding, or lasagna, every dish reflected the unconditional love and care she poured into her family.

Arlene shared an extraordinary and inseparable lifelong bond with her sisters, Patsy Kay and Shirley. Lovingly referred to as "The Three Stooges," they spent decades together, rarely far from one another's side. From their earliest days on the Burch Family Farm to their adult years, they journeyed side by side, sharing laughter and tears, celebrations and heartaches, wisdom and unwavering support. Their connection was far more than sisterhood; it was a friendship rooted in faith and loyalty, strengthened by time, and bound by unconditional love. Through every season, they remained each other's constant source of comfort and strength, sharing a bond that few are fortunate enough to experience and one that will endure through eternity.

Few memories were more treasured than time spent fishing with her Mumma. With a smile on her face, she recounted Mumma’s strict fishing rules: sit still, stay quiet, and don't disturb the fish, while her mother patiently fished with her trusted bamboo pole. One particular trip resulted in an enormous catch that quickly became a family legend. Arlene mounted and proudly displayed the award-winning fish in her home and to this day, it continues to serve as a cherished reminder of the special bond she shared with Mumma.

Though firmly set in her ways, Arlene proved that it is never too late to learn something new. What began as a reluctant introduction to modern technology eventually turned into an unexpected favorite pastime. Once comfortable with her iPad, it quickly became a necessity as she delighted in keeping up with family updates, discovering new recipes, and following the lives of those she loved.

Television rarely captured Arlene's attention, but she made a standing exception for the Atlanta Braves. A devoted fan, she loved her baseball, and welcomed any opportunity to share her thoughts on everything from players and trades to whether the umpire needed a new pair of glasses. She loved her Braves; winning, losing, or testing her nerves, she remained a loyal fan through it all.

Though she loved many things, nothing in this world brought Arlene greater joy than her family, especially her granddaughters. Affectionately known as "NaNaw," she adored them completely. They filled her days with purpose, her heart with pride, and her life with immeasurable joy.

Arlene was preceded in death by her adoring parents Jack Covington Burch, and Susie Elma “Polly” Covington Burch, her devoted husband Grayson Tyler English; her beloved daughter, Teresa Lynn English, cherished son, David Tyler English, and her brother, Frederick Wayne Burch, "Ricky."

She leaves behind a family who adored her and will forever cherish her memory: her son, Kevin Dale English of Tappahannock, Virginia; daughter-in-law, Audie Ferebee English of Tappahannock, Virginia; her treasured granddaughters, Johanna Lynn English, Catherine Leigh English, Kinsley Dale English, and Graylin Louise English; her cherished siblings Robert O'Brian Burch, Sr. (Mary) of Midlothian, Virginia; Patsy Kay Burch McDonald (John) and Shirley Frances Burch Kent (Gilbert), both of Tappahannock, Virginia; along with a host of loving nieces and nephews who adored their beloved "Aunt Arlene."

The measure of Arlene's life cannot be found in accomplishments alone, but in the countless lives she touched through her kindness, wisdom, resilience, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on in the values she instilled, the traditions she preserved, the family she nurtured, and the countless memories she leaves behind.

For those who knew and loved her, Arlene was more than a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, neighbor, or friend, she was home. Though our hearts are broken by her absence, we find comfort knowing that she has been reunited with loved ones who welcomed her home.

She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

In a fitting return to the place where her life's journey began, Arlene will be laid to rest in the Burch Family Cemetery, on the Burch Family Farm she loved so dearly, surrounded by the fields, memories, and family roots that helped shape the remarkable woman she became.

Faulkner Funeral Home in Tappahannock, Virginia, is assisting the family with arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Faulkner Funeral Home, 206 N. Church Lane, Tappahannock, Virginia 22560. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place afterward at the Burch Family Farm, 1402 Chaney's Bridge Road, Dunnsville, Virginia.