Ellen Marie Arl

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SUMTER - Ellen Marie Arl, age 71, died on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at her home.

Born Jan. 12, 1943, in Chicago, Ill., she was a devoted daughter of the late John and Helen Lavicka Arl. She was a lifelong learner, always taking classes and pursuing her education. She held multiple degrees, with masters degrees from both Tulane University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her post-graduate studies included coursework at Oxford University in England.

She was a professor in the Fine Arts Division at the University of South Carolina Sumter for more than 35 years. While at USC Sumter, she was active in campus life, serving as a member of the USC Sumter Faculty Organization and as an academic advisor. She was an active supporter of the arts on the USC Sumter campus, as well as in the community through her attendance and her generosity. As a professor, she was an avid reader and was a prolific and published writer. She championed beginning writers and published writers to reach their fullest potentials.

In addition, Ellen was instrumental in beginning the Spring Poetry Festival, held each year in May, to recognize the award-winning poems from schools around Sumter County and the Scholars Tea, a yearly celebration of the research and publications of a USC Sumter Faculty member. She was also the host and creator of EX LIBRIS, produced by WRJA TV, which introduced audiences to writers and provided discussions about writing.

Survivors include her beloved sister, Susan Arl of Chicago; and her loving cousins, Michael (Laurie Gunness) Thrams and Robert (Klava) Janecek. Ellen will always be remembered fondly as "Nema" to Matthew and Brayden Thrams.

Funeral services for Ellen Marie Arl will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Bullock Funeral Home with memories being shared by family and friends.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home, 1190 Wilson Hall Road in Sumter.

Ellen's family wishes especially to acknowledge Linda Robinson for her friendship and loyalty to Ellen over the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the USC Sumter, 200 Miller Road, Sumter, SC 29150; or to a charity of one's choice.

You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.