Virgia Mary Allen

Virgia Mary Allen was born on January 4, 1936, to the late Vessie Wakefield and Lucille Irvin in Arlington, Georgia. She graduated from Arlington Vocational High School where she starred on the women’s basketball team. She later relocated to Jacksonville, Florida.

Virgia accomplished many things in her life. She worked as a private nursing assistant at her aunt’s senior citizen home. In 1977, Virgia earned her certification as a customer service clerk. Her certification enabled her to obtain employment as a cashier for Banners Food Store. She eventually earned the role as the manager of the produce section. Virgia was most proud of purchasing her own home. Virgia was an entrepreneur with her late husband, Reverend Gus Allen Jr. Virgia and Gus owned and managed Allen’s Corner (Convenience Store). Virgia was a member of the Modern Free Accepted Masons and served as the “Worthy Matron.”

Virgia enjoyed traveling. The highlights of her travel included Bahamas, Mexico, New York, Michigan, and California. She enjoyed gardening and cooking. Her specialty dishes included sweet potatoe pie, collard greens, and short ribs. Virgia’s heart was full of love for Christ, family, friends, and strangers. Virgia often said, “Blood does not make you family, love does.”

In 1988, Virgia’s husband was called to pastor Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church (MPMBC). Subsequently, she assumed the role as the Pastor’s Wife of MPMBC. In addition to serving as the pastor’s wife at MPMBC, Virgia diligently served as a counselor, spiritual advisor, mentor, choir member, and Sunday school teacher. Her heart’s desire was for everyone to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. Although Virgia suffered from a debilitating memory loss disease, she never lost her trust in the Lord. A few months prior to her transition, Virgia stated, “I may not be able to remember a lot of things, but I know Jesus, and I know that when I leave here, I will be with him in heaven.”

At the age of five, Virgia sat on her grandmother Mary Jane’s back porch and prayed that she would one day have a family of her own. God answered her prayer. The Lord blessed Virgia with 30 children, Deceased (D), Cynetta Williams (Grady), Gary Savage (Sheron), Gregory Savage, Juliette Townsend (D-Charles), Marisha Savage, Gerald Savage (Lamika), Felita Johnson (Steve), Lolita Smith (D- Gilbert). Bonus Allen children: Elease, Catherine, (D) Linda, Shirley, Gus, Booker T, Frankie, Larry, Bobby, (D) Augusta, Gloria, Carol, Thelma, Willie Pearl, Denese, Leonard, Arthur Jr. 29 Grandchildren: Keyetta (Todd), Kaitlynn (Aaron), Gary Vincent Jr. (Dwa Ron-Dai), Gary James (Shae), Joshua, Joshlyn, Gregory (Senikka), Leslie, Tiffany, Shontoria (Michael) Tyrane (Shantrell), LaTisha (James), Al-lisha (Eric), Alvin (Angelica), Sierra, Steven, Phillip (Brittany), Kayla, 38 Great-grandchildren: Brianne, Todd Jr, Aiden, Garrick, Joshuan, Jaylenn, Ja’ Royal, Gari, Lavin, Camille, Mariah, Dijon, Taylnn, Tyrane Jr., Tyce, Michael, Octavius, Synorice, Maelynn, Tony, Jlon, Voshon, Michael F, Darnell, C ’Mora, Rylee, Semaj, James Jr., Arthur, Endalyn, Amelia, Audrie, Aurora, Eric (E,J), Elaina, Leo, Lennox and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.