Matthew O'Neal Allen

Matthew O’Neal Allen passed away peacefully in his sleep, on Thursday, April 25, 2024.  Matthew was the only child of his mother and best friend, Karen L. Allen.  Matthew was a loving father and leaves to cherish his memories with five children, Marley O. Allen, age 10, Peighton Adams/step-daughter (Tametra (Allen) Jalomo), Madeline N. Dickerson (Allen), age 7 (Stevasha Dickerson), Mahzi O. Allen, age 3, and Myomi O. Allen, age 1 Brayden Lankford/step-son (Kiri Lankford,), and Cameron Holfield, age 13.  Matthew loved spending time with his children, playing games, watching their favorite shows, and dancing with them.    

Matthew is also survived by his most loving grandmother, Anne “Mama Anne” Walker; grandfather W. Matthew Canaday (Jean); aunts, Alice Adams (Ki), Yvette Brown (Jerrod), and Lakisha King; uncles, Donald Allen (Cheryl), Marvin Allen (Tracey), Mervin Allen (Natalie), and Ricky Canaday; father Brian Piggott (Tiffany); sisters, Brianna and Madisyn; brothers, Brian Jr. and Noah; Mr. Kevin Wiggins aka "Papa" or "Popz", a father figure and mentor to Matthew for 18 years; special aunts, Gina Rodgers, Victoria Rodriquez, Shelia Christian, Joyce Saunders, Deon Sherman, and Shonda “Shay” Miles; a host of great aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friend that he loved deeply. Matthews’s cousins grew up with him and created a bond that was strong as brothers and sisters; that will never be broken.

Matthew had a great relationship with his mother, aka “Matt’s Mom”, "Mama K", "Gammy," or as he called her, "Ma Dukes." He was truly a Mama’s Boy and didn’t mind telling everyone. Matthew cherished his Mama and loved her unconditionally. She ensured he would become a Dallas Cowboys fan at an early age and they enjoyed going to Texas to watch the Dallas Cowboys football games.

Matthew expressed love to so many people.  He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.  He was a fun person with a good sense of humor and could make you laugh.  He loved listening to Grace Woodley tell her stories about her garden. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

Matthew attended Woodside High School and later joined the United States Army Reserve, serving as a Military Police for 4 years.  Matthew and his special military friend and army battle buddy, Noel Kanga were stationed for a tour in Iraq together.  Matthew received the National Defense Service Medal, The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, an Army Service Ribbon, and an Overseas Service Ribbon.

Although Matthew was taken from us too soon, his legacy shall continue to live through our memories and his love for his children, family, and friends. 

A service to celebrate Matthew's life will be held at Noon on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Orcutt Baptist Church, 653 Baxter Road, Newport News, Virginia, with a viewing beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the hour of his service.  A repast will follow in Orcutt Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Mr. Allen may also be viewed from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, in the funeral home.  Family and friends may wear Dallas Cowboys jerseys and colors to the viewing and service. A private burial ceremony will be held at a later date in Parrish Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Charles City, Virginia.   

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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