Eleanor Allen

Eleanor P. Allen VIRGINIA BEACH - Eleanor Estelle Pugh Allen passed away at home Jan. 13, 2009. She was born Aug. 28, 1912, in Bowling Green, Va., the daughter of Grace and Henry Pugh. She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Ray Allen; her sister, Evelyn Pugh Doggett; and her parents. A graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of Music as a concert pianist, Eleanor formed her own combo during the early 1930s. The group played for numerous events throughout the early years of the Great Depression. In 1938, Eleanor married Arthur Ray Allen of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. They were married nearly 44 years at the time of his death in 1981. The beautiful music that came out of her fingertips was much like the music of her soul. Eleanor was always happiest when she was helping someone else. Living most of her married life in Clarksburg and Fairmont, W.Va., she spent her time taking care of her two children, helping various little theaters with their productions, playing the piano at church, volunteering at the local hospital, conducting vacation Bible school activities and participating in PTAs and band patrons associations. She and her husband belonged to the Penmarova Dance Club and they also enjoyed playing bridge with many friends. As her children grew, got married and had children, Eleanor helped with their children. When their children had children, she helped with those children - and, yes, even their children! In 1984, Mrs. Allen moved to Virginia Beach to be near her children, and she became involved with Thalia United Methodist Church. Again, she was playing the piano, conducting vacation Bible school activities, participating in the Helen Melvin Circle and helping to organize rummage sales and other church activities. Just about every time the church opened a door, she was there! In fact, she delivered Meals on Wheels until she was nearly 88 years old! At that point, her main church activity became making sure that the food pantry was full all year long! She convinced her family and friends to contribute to the food pantry instead of buying presents for each other. She challenged folks at the church to bring peanut butter and jelly to church one week, macaroni and cheese another week and other food items at different times. The food pantry stayed so full the church named it the Eleanor Allen Food Pantry! Her smile and positive, upbeat attitude will be missed by many at Thalia United Methodist. Eleanor is survived by her two children, A. Ray Allen Jr. and his wife Judith A. of Dover, Del., and Judith Scharle and her friend William B. Jones of Norfolk. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Robert Allen (Tammy) of Virginia Beach, Diane Allen of Clarksburg, W.Va., David Allen (Beth Moore) of Portsmouth and Jennifer Scharle Phipps (Kenneth), of Chesapeake. In addition, she is survived by her 12 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two nieces and three nephews. A visitation will be held at Thalia United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. Saturday immediately preceding the funeral which will take place at 2 p.m. in the church. Mrs. Allen will be buried in Bridgeport, W.Va., next to her husband. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Lynnhaven Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com. Memorial donations may be made to the Eleanor Allen Food Pantry at Thalia United Methodist Church, 4321 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452.