Arlene Carper Major, 84 of Bedford, passed away Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at her residence. She was born on February 1, 1926 in Bedford Co., VA, a daughter of the late Nicholas Carper and Era Bonds Carper. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Luther Major, sister, Annabell Maxton and two brothers, John Carper and Russell Carper. She was a retired employee of the Elks National Home having worked in the housekeeping department and was a member of Bible Truth Tabernacle. Surviving are her daughters, Patricia Parker & husband, Warren of Lynchburg;, Dorothy Meaden & husband, Michael of Frankin Co.; Gail Davis & husband, Garland of Bedford; a brother, Willie Carper of Washington, DC; one sister, Maydean Carper, Roanoke; an aunt, Gracie Smallwood, Roanoke, her nurse & special friend, Rhonda Kennedy, twenty-nine grandchildren, forty-seven great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 11, 2010 at 1 PM at Bible Truth Tabernacle with Pastor Wayne Lawhorn officiating. Interment will follow in Fairmont Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6 until 8 PM at Bible Truth Tabernacle. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.