Deacon Edward H. Allen Sr.

Edward Houston Allen, Sr. transitioned to eternal rest on June 1, 2022. He was born on May 27, 1932, to the late Maxwell and Isabell Allen. He was predeceased by wives, Deaconess Virginia Allen, and Idell Allen; daughters, Yvonne Minkins, and Annette Cuffie; brothers, Harold Allen, Vernon Allen, and Van Allen; sisters, Shirley Allen, and Dale Allen.

He joined New Zion Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia over 40 years ago, where he served as a Trustee and was ordained a Deacon. He sang in the Brethren Chorale; served in the Men’s Ministry; faithfully attended Bible Study, Sunday School, and the Noon-Day Prayer Ministry. Deacon Allen was also responsible for delivering and picking up air conditioners for senior adults and others in the community who did not have air conditioners in the spring and summer months. He assisted with any ministry events that needed him, including William & Mary Day, Friends and Family Day, Youth Carnivals, and Vacation Bible School. He was also the custodian, cemetery caretaker, and groundskeeper for the church for many years before retiring. He was an active participant in the Church’s Senior Day Program. He served on the Building Committee when New Zion built the sanctuary that now serves as the Fellowship hall. He served on the Pulpit Search Committee in the late 1980’s. Deacon Allen traveled on the church trips. In the community, he was active with the Peninsula Baptist Deacons’ Union and the Community Men’s Fellowship.

Deacon Allen was an encourager to many, especially the youth in the church. Deacon Allen loved gardening, keeping his lawn nice, and his car clean at all times. His favorite prayer was “The Lord’s Prayer.”  He loved the church family and made each feel special, especially his pastor, Dr. Robert Whitehead, Sr. He will be greatly missed.

Deacon Allen leaves to cherish his memories, his son, Edward Allen, Jr. (Sandra); sister-in-law, Ann Allen; sons-in-law, Kershaw Minkins and Willie Cuffie, Jr.; grandchildren, Robert Walker, Darnell Walker, Marcus Walker, Edward Allen, III, Kiana Thompkins, DeCarlos Thompkins, Ricky Strong, and Tiko Strong; step-granddaughter, Morgan Martin; step-great-grandchild, Olivia Knaus (who was his ‘best lil buddy’); special friends, Deacon Robert “Skippy” Ashby, Deacon Ronald Wallace, and Brother Roosevelt White.  He also leaves to cherish his memories a host of nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, extended family, church family, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Whiting's Funeral Home.  Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service.  Interment to follow in New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.  Deacon Allen may be viewed from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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