Arilla is a native of North Carolina and resides in Lake Wylie where she and her husband have lived since l993. Upon graduation from high school, she began a career in banking and completed required courses for certification from American Institute of Banking. She retired from Bank of America in 2001 having worked 41 years in credit policy and commercial lending.

Arilla taught Sunday School for 25 years. She has served as secretary of the Board of Trustees at the River Hills Community Church and is currently serving on the River Hills Community Church Foundation Trustee Board. She has served and continues to serve on various church committees and in other community volunteer capacities. She and her husband have one daughter and two grandsons. Her hobbies include boating, gardening and travel.