Virginia Arnold Allen, 92, passed away November 24, 2012. A native of Wake County, she was the youngest of the seven children of Elizabeth Griffin Arnold and Charles Patrick Arnold. Growing up on a working farm in then rural Wake County, she lived almost all of her life in the New Hope Community. Virginia was educated in the public schools of Wake County and graduated from Millbrook High School in 1938.
She entered Cosmetology School and upon graduation worked at Cranford’s Beauty Salon. In 1950 she and a close friend opened their own business, “Peggy and Virginia’s”, and they enjoyed this venture for 47 years. She was active in the North Carolina Hair Dressers' Association for 15 years, becoming its president in1987. Her professional career was broadened by attending many national conventions in New York under the direction of famed hairdresser Adolph Ellis. In 1979 she was named Who’s Who for the North Carolina Hairdressers Association. The highlight of her career was when she was asked to co-chair a permanent exhibit for the North Carolina Museum of History featuring a 1920’s beauty shop display. It remained on display for many years.
She enjoyed traveling and did so extensively in the States, South America, Asia, and Europe. In 1968 she went with Governor and Mrs. Dan K. Moore to five countries in South America promoting North Carolina.
She will always be remembered for her enthusiasm for life, her compassionate nature and her ability to put people at ease. She was always there when someone was in need, taking something from her kitchen.
She loved gardening and always had an abundance of flowers which graced her home, and wonderful vegetables that were shared with all. Her life was not void of difficulties, but a positive attitude allowed an inner beauty, compassion and a steadfast love for those around her. Her favorite saying was “Trust God, and when you are down, keep busy, and do something for someone else.” Though she will be missed, she will always be in our hearts-Truly a bright star is in God’s heaven.
She was the oldest active, life–time member of New Hope Baptist Church. She actively supported the church and gave seed money for the Allen Hand bells in memory of her late husband, L.D. Allen, Jr. The church will also benefit from a Charitable Remainder Trust.
Virginia was predeceased by her husband L.D. Allen, Jr. She was the caregiver to her four sisters until their deaths: Jessie Morris, Mae Arnold, Pearl Arnold and Vivian Lyon; brothers, Dixon Arnold and Oris Arnold.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Rd. Raleigh, Tuesday, November 27th from 6:00-8:00 pm, and at other times at the residence of Becky Arnold Harris, 3519 New Hope Road, Raleigh.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 28th at 11:00a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.
Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 4301 Louisburg Road, Raleigh, N.C. 27604.
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