Willie Roosevelt Allen,

On Thursday, February 19, 2009, the Lord sent one of his angels to MCV Hospital on a special mission, to bring home to “Eternal Rest,” our beloved Willie Roosevelt Allen, Sr. — husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather.He was born November 23, 1930 to the late Clifford and Juanita Allen of Charles City, Virginia. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Geraldine Christian, Louis Allen, Elizabeth Gordon, Ernest and Warren Allen.Roosevelt confessed Christ at an early age at Union Baptist Church, where he attended and served faithfully as a past choir member and usher. He also worked, side-by-side, with his wife as the church custodians until his health started to fail. He dearly loved his church family and his pastor.His working years included various jobs — Dowdy’s, Stone Container, International Paper Company, Chambers, and Winn Dixie from which he retired due to declining health.Roosevelt was a man who was true to himself and his beliefs, no pretense. He was a great husband and provider, a wonderful father and family man.He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Fannie Allen, who was attentive to his every need. Sometimes the road got rough and rugged, but the Lord continued to strengthen her.He also leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter and his heart, Brenda A. Jones; a devoted son-in-law, Ernest F. Jones Jr.; two sons, Willie Jr. and Franklin; six grandchildren, Jacqueline Allen, Quincy Phillips, Brandon Jones, LaKisha Craddock, Morgan Crawley (Dion), and Ryan Cottom; five great-grandchildren, Alexis White, Sam Craddock Jr., Miquel Allen, Tristan Albers and Diondré Crawley (his pickle as he called him); and a devoted former daughter-in-law, Martha Allen; two brothers; Roger Allen (Christine) and Isaac Allen (Ernestine); sister, Georgia Allen; six sisters-in-law, Leonia Christian (Elijah), Rebecca Dixon, Princetta Smith, Ceressa Randolph (Norman), Carol and Estelle Allen; two brothers-in-law, Vernell Turpin Sr. (Nellie) and Ernest Turpin Sr. (Joyce); one devoted nephew-in-law and wife, Ralph and Hilda Christian; two aunts, Alease Braxton and Mary Allen; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends, including a special god-granddaughter, Little Miss McKinley Richard and devoted special friends, Nathaniel and Marian Christian and Ernest and Julia Jones.

Tributes

Willie Roosevelt Allen,

November 23, 1930 - February 19, 2009