Deaconess Magnolia Eloise (Powell) Allen

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2nd Timothy 4:7KJV)

“May the work I’ve done speak for me” ~Magnolia Allen

     Our mother was born on a sunny summer Saturday, June 25, 1927, to the parentage of the late Samuel and Sudie Powell in Halifax County, North Carolina. Mama was the youngest of five children - Isbelle Hicks, born October 11, 1920; Charlie Powell, born March 28 1922; Catherine King, born March 8, 1923 and Mamie Lloyd Powell Hicks, born October 7, 1925. From an early age, she was a hard worker. You could imagine how tough life was growing up during the Great Depression, in a rural area and being a tall skinny little black girl. Through the Christian upbringing of her parents, Magnolia found herself at the creek bank on a spring day in 1935 and was baptized. She gave her life to Christ and joined the Macedonia Baptist Church of Emporia, Virginia - following the footsteps of her older sisters, Catherine and Mamie. As life progressed, in the 1930’s her family to Virginia, where she attended public elementary schools and went to work on the farm picking cotton and working hard along with her sisters and brothers. Magnolia’s wisdom was God given, as she earned her PHD in Life.

     We remember sitting listening to the stories of how she started work as a young child, growing vegetables in the garden, cooking, and taking care of the house, as early as 9 years old. Becoming a beautiful dark-skinned teenaged woman, she told us the love story of her meeting Joseph Allen on the church yard at Macedonia. In 1942, they married and started a lovely big family. We all would laugh when she said, “ After Marleen and Dot, it seemed like nearly every year I was having a baby.” She loved when everyone was home, as a family, and enjoyed spending quality time with them.

     Not only did she love her family, but she supported her husband and began attending and working at Jerusalem Baptist Church of Emporia, Virginia. In June 2002, Magnolia’s heart broke, as her husband of 40 years passed away; however, she continued to serve the Lord and support both churches. Until her health began to fail, you would see her attending church, Macedonia on 2nd Sundays and Jerusalem on 3rd Sundays. She served as Deaconess, Mother, choir member, and homecoming dinner cook at both churches. Mama would start cooking on Saturday evenings. We can still smell the fried chicken, ham, cabbage, string beans, rolls, and chocolate cake coming from the kitchen. Magnolia was a Christian woman and spent all her life helping others, influencing and inspiring the community. She never met a stranger and would have a smile that could easily brighten anyone’s day. Her smile was often accompanied by a hot meal, for all who stopped by her little green house at the corner of Fish and Brink Roads.

     “Upon life’s journey, we are given opportunities to plant seeds of goodness, seeds of kindness, and seeds of blessings that bestow our hearts, our work, and our being. For those that sow the fields with loving generosity, so shall they reap the abundant harvest of eternal life.” On Saturday, January 23, 2021; while in the serenity of her home, our dear loved one peacefully entered into eternal slumber. As she transitioned from our care and into God’s keeping, she now resides safe in the arms of Jesus and we can hear her spirit utter these final words to all she loved and those who loved her: “I Love you and Thank you for all you for everything you have done for me.” She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; her son, Daniel Leon Allen in March 2007 and first grandchild Ronald Williams in August. 2002.

     She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Mary Spears (Franklin) of Fort Washington, Maryland, Dorothy Bowser (James) of Emporia, Virginia, Josie Eloise Paige (Pharis) of Columbus, South Carolina, Joseph C. Allen (Ruby) of Emporia, Virginia, Hattie Vaughan (Larry), Brenda J. Henderson (Andre) of Clinton, Maryland, Waverly R. Allen (Sonya) of Emporia, Virginia and Benjamin F. Allen of Pompano Beach, Florida; grandchildren whom she reared just as her own, Kevin Allen of Columbia, South Carolina and Antione Allen (Joy) of Stafford, Virginia; thirteen beloved grandchildren; Tracy ONeil (Hershel), Keith Williams, Stacy Gray, Monica Taylor (Greg), Cedric Allen (Jamica), Damita Allen, Davin Allen (Elysha), Wakia Allen, Damion Hardy, Anrenee and Arenay Paige, Christopher Paige and Quincy Allen; sixteen great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Magnolia would insist that we not leave out her dearest neighbors, Julia and Bernard Pair and Mrs. Clarice Vincent, whom would stop by every week to check on her and lift her spirits; and long-time friends, Deacon and Mrs. Robert L. Webb, who held a special place in her heart. 

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Allen's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mrs. Magnolia Allen

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

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