Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Alder Irene Harrison Allen, 86, a long-time resident of Greentown, WV, passed away on August 15, 2019 at Bowers Hospice House, Beckley, WV.

Born on May 26, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Temious Harrison and Claire Freeman Saunders of Greentown, WV.

She attended DuBois High School in Mt. Hope, WV. She was an active member of First Missionary Baptist Church Greentown since December 21, 1945. She had been a member of the Trustee Board, Usher Board President, Mission Society President, choir member, custodian, member of the Pastor’s Aide committee, and President of the Kitchen committee. She also had a green thumb when it came to the church plants. She was an active member of Hilltop Baptist Center and held various positions there, including Corresponding Secretary. She was a member of the State Usher Board Federation.

Alder was employed with the Head Start program and was a department manager for many years at G.C. Murphy’s.

She was an active supporter of her children’s sports and academics. She was a Cub Scout Den mother and was also instrumental in her children becoming gifted musicians and singers.

Alder’s talents were many; she loved to sing and dance and at any given moment you would catch her taking pictures at the family events. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, community volunteer and friend who loved to entertain. She enjoyed traveling in the states and abroad, visiting her family. She collected angels, bells, elephants, and unique music boxes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Temious Harrison and Claire Freeman Saunders, two sisters, Zenobia D. Harrison and Phyllis Y. Wilborne, two sons, Gordon L. Harrison and John J. (Antonia) Harrison.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories two brothers, Temious F. Harrison of Brooklyn and Richard L. Harrison, both of NY; one sister, Leeanna J. Alexander of NY, NY; six children, Steven L. Allen and James M. (Patricia) Allen, Sr., both of Phoenix, AZ; Ellwood Allen, Sr. of Sacramento, CA and David F. (Gloria) Allen of Beckley, WV, Tracy L. (Calvin) Allen-Swafford of Greentown, WV and Temious W. (Treasa) Allen, Sr. of Wilmington, DE. She also leaves behind to cherish her memories nineteen grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the Hilltop Baptist Center 258 The Baptist Road Hilltop.

Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley