Obituary of Carolyn Allen

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2nd Timothy 4:7-8 Carolyn West Allen departed this life safe in God's care on August 1, 2014, surrounded by her loved ones. Carolyn was born November 21, 1940, in Hardeeville, South Carolina, the eldest of five children, to the late William West, Jr. and Alfair Hayes West. Carolyn committed to her faith at an early age. She moved to North Carolina with her family where she attended Artesia High School in Hallsboro, NC. She dedicated her life to education, receiving her degree from Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC and working in the Buckingham and Powhatan, Virginia Public School Systems for more than forty years. Carolyn's love for her students returned her to work in the schools until her illness would no longer allow her to continue. When she moved to Powhatan and married the love of her life Melvin E. Allen, Sr. on June 3, 1972, she joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church where she was a faithful member and served as a choir member until her illness. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Melvin E. Allen, Sr. and her granddaughters Josiah and Kristienne Dixon. Carolyn is survived by her loving children and grandchildren who she was especially proud of, Melvin E. Allen, Jr. (Donna), father of Tyler, Logan and Dylan, Zandra R. Dixon (Jasper) mother of Ashanti, stepdaughter, Zolita Allen mother of Cohran, Cameron, Christian and goddaughter, Claudette Rich. She is also survived by her siblings, William West III (Joyce), Whiteville, NC, Patricia West, Alexandria, VA., Irene McDowell (David), Greenville, NC and Rosena West, Raleigh, NC.; her brothers-in-law, Virgil Allen (Iona), Roger Allen (Mattie), sister-in-law, Audrey Mayo (Joey) all of Powhatan, Virginia, sister-in-law, Carolyn Blanks, Whiteville, NC, and many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends who she cherished. The love of Carolyn's family also included devoted friends, Tammie Fleming and family, Jackie Crewey, Gordon Lawrence, and Dulce Lawrence. She lived life to the fullest, never gave up and forged forward with great determination. The dawn has come but your beauty and loving heart will remain with us forever