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Mrs. Edith Valentine Allen

2/14/1929 - 6/27/2026

Text:

Obituary For Mrs. Edith Valentine Allen

It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of our beloved Edith DeBerry Allen, affectionately called “Sweet Thing” as a child, and then evolved to Sang with age, who departed this world on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the remarkable age of 97.

Edith passed away peacefully of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and compassion that will be cherished by all who knew her. Born on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1929, in Lowe, WV, Edith was a beacon of warmth and kindness, embodying the very spirit of the day she was born. She was the cherished daughter of Sumler Columbus DeBerry and Daisy Banks Ledbetter DeBerry, who instilled in her the values of faith and generosity.

Edith was preceded in death by her devoted parents, her beloved husband, Lonnie "Cecil" Allen, and her dear children, James (Kenny), Darnell, and Cecilia (Vette). She was also predeceased by her siblings, Dora Moore, Henry C. DeBerry, Monty Wicks, Virginia Bailous, Lincoln DeBerry, James DeBerry, Emma Pauline Washington, Maxine Poindexter and Daisy Evonne Jones.

Edith's life was a tapestry of love and dedication. On August 20, 1948, she married the love of her life, Lonnie “Cecil” Allen, in Beckley, WV. Together, they shared 56 years of unwavering love, raising five wonderful children in a home filled with joy, laughter, and the aroma of Edith's extraordinary culinary creations. In 1946, Edith graduated from Stratton High School. After graduating, Edith embarked on a fulfilling career at Beckley Hospital Inc., where she served as the assistant director of the dietary department for 28 years. Her culinary talents were recognized internationally when she traveled to Paris, France in 1982 to receive an award for a recipe she and a coworker created as testament to her passion and creativity in the kitchen. Edith's faith in God was the cornerstone of her life.

Edith, known for her warm smile and open heart, she was always ready to offer a prayer or a kind word to anyone in need, making everyone feel welcomed and valued. Her kindness and generosity touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on her community and beyond.

Edith is survived by her loving son, Lincoln "Ronnie" Allen, daughter, Coleen (David) Hickson, and a plethora of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Each of them carries forward her legacy of love and compassion. Though she has left this earthly realm, Edith's spirit remains ever-present in the hearts of those she touched. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us of the power of a life lived with grace and generosity.

Rest in peace, dear Edith, knowing that your light will shine brightly in our hearts forever.

Funeral service will be 11:00AM Friday, July 10, 2026 at Heart of God Ministries
1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends may view and visit with the family one hour prior to the funeral service.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

  • 07/09/2026

    Brenda Martin

    Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire Allen family.Weeping may endure through the night but joy cometh in the morning Psalms 30:5.God is close to the broken hearted Psalms 34.18 Sincerely,Bootsie,Jean,Linda.

  • 07/08/2026

    Laura Alberta Robinson

    I have known Sang since I was a little girl we were all kin folks.Sincere Condolences to Ronnie , Coleen and the rest of the Allen family .Sand had a beautiful smile and a kind heart she will be missed.Sincerely Laura Alberta Robinson

  • 07/07/2026

    Norman Smith

    My sympathy be with the family at this time. May you find comfort in knowing she is at rest.

  • 07/07/2026

    Albert Green

    The Allen Family, Your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Albert Green

  • 07/07/2026

    Wilbert and Doris Boyden McCormick

    May the Lord grant each of you peace. You have our deepest sympathy. Wilbert and Doris Boyden McCormick

  • 07/07/2026

    Delores Robinson

    I will always cherish the beautiful smile "Sang"wore upon her lovely face....always so pleasant and a kind word for everyone....Sleep In Jesus you earned your rest🌹🙏🏾🌹

  • 07/07/2026

    D G Moore

    To the Allen & DeBerry families, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ms. Sang was a sweet wonderful friend & neighbor to our mom & family. God bless and comfort you during this difficult time. The Moore Family-Tampa, FL

  • 07/07/2026

    Gerald R Jones

    To my beloved Aunt Sang, my dear cousins Ronnie and Collean, and to all of my near and distant cousins, My heart is both heavy and joyful. Heavy because, like so many of you, I am grieving. I miss Aunt Sang deeply. I thank God that I had the opportunity to visit her. Ronnie Collen and the family, thank you for allowing me those precious moments. She was my last remaining aunt out of ten, and losing her hits a little differently. It leaves a space in my heart that words can hardly describe. Nevertheless, I know God is still in control. At the same time, my heart is joyful because she will always live in my heart through the priceless memories she gave us. I treasure our childhood memories, family reunions, her wisdom, the beauty of her soul, and how much she reminded me of Grandma Daisy. I will never forget her laughter, her tears, her love, and the way she helped keep our family connected. I am especially grateful to God for the prayers we shared together. We talked about everything—the good, the bad, and the ugly. We didn't talk as often as we may have liked, but whenever we did, we made every conversation count. Those prayers, laughs, heartfelt conversations, and memories are beyond measure and will remain with me forever. To my entire family, please know that you are continually in my prayers during this difficult time. Life will never be quite the same, but I thank God that Aunt Sang is no longer suffering. She has fought her fight, finished her course, and is now at peace in the presence of the Lord. I love each of you. May God's peace, comfort, strength, and unfailing love surround our entire family in the days ahead. With love and deepest sympathy, Cousin Gerald R. Jones

  • 07/05/2026

    Henrietta Renae Mahan

    My dearest family in Christ, I was so saddened, broken to hear about the lost of your family. We all have great memories of her present at work as well as the good times at Lester Church. My very deepest sympathy to the family. She was well love and respected in her Church and community. There is another soldier to be miss in the body of Christ. We all have great memories of her presence. The Lord to continually to be with you all. My prayers and thoughts to you all as a whole in the Lord. I love you all. You all have a bless days and memories with your love ones forevermore. Henrietta Renae Mahan

  • 07/05/2026

    Jacquelynn Moore

    To the Allen family sending prayers and condolences to you and family. Cousin Sang will be truly missed she had great spirit. From cousin Jacquelynn Moore descendants of Flossie Smith (DeBerry) from California

  • 07/03/2026

    Theodore A.. Moore

    Giving Honor to God, giving Him all the Praise for giving us Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior that we may have a path to His kingdom and have eternal life. The family is saddened to hear the news concerning your mother Mrs. Edith Valentine Allen We share some of the pain and grief that confront you today, but only your immediate family understands the pain you endure now and for a lifetime. We know the space your mother shared in your heart and mind will never be fill, but through the sharing of your time with family and friends reminiscing the special moments and interaction you had will soften some of the pain. As witness by family, friends and others, you will take this moment in your life to God and He will take you through these times. We know God will give you and the family the comfort you require. "Remember God will not give us more than we can bear", if He will take us to it, He will take us through it. God has a purpose for your mother beyond out knowledge and comprehension; she has passed into sleep, a journey for all mankind and a step closer to God. I send you a passage that give me such strength in my time of need and found in 1st Thessalonians, 4 chapters, vs. 13-18. [13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words. May God bless your family to overcome this sorrow and hold you in his arms and comfort your pain. I pray you and the family fine peace and always remember the joy your mother brought into your life and those around her. On behalf of the Moore family and friends worldwide, our deepest sympathy goes out to you. "Cousin 'Sang's" presents will truly be missed in her community and our hearts, but not forgotten." Sincerely, Cousin Ted Moore and family

  • 07/01/2026

    Melinda Green Mitchell

    To the Allen family. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm praying that God surrounds you with His peace, comfort, and strength during this difficult time.

  • 06/30/2026

    Bishop Jimmy Simms

    To the Allen Family, Grace and peace be multiplied unto you. You're in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

  • 06/29/2026

    Eileen and Clifford

    To the Allen family. You have our deepest condolences and prayers. Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington

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