Mrs. Anita Carmen Allen, 79, of Accomac, passed away on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. Anita was born on Aug. 22, 1945, in Point Pleasant, N.J., a daughter of Harold and Florence Johnson.
In the early 1960s, a friend introduced Anita and Arthur “Art” Leon Allen. The two hit it off and he asked her out on a date to the local roller rink. Art couldn’t have picked a better place because Anita was adventurous and loved any kind of activity. She put those skates on and the rest was history.
The two were married for over 62 years, raising three children. They moved to the Eastern Shore of Virginia in 1975 to get away from the hustle and bustle of Jersey life. Anita and Art were a true balance — he was known as the Hairy Wild Man, and she was known as The Salt of the Earth.
Anita always found a way to spend time outdoors, especially if it was on the water. She loved boating and fishing with her family. But she also was fearless, riding on the back of the Harley trike with the wind in her hair or flying past the pack while racing go-carts. Just this last summer, she and Art went jet skiing on the Pocomoke River. In her younger years, she enjoyed boat racing. She worked hard but loved to play even harder.
She started her career at Eastern Shore Printers but later became a proofreader and typesetter for the Eastern Shore News.
She was a devout Christian and member of Central Baptist Church in Melfa; she loved the Lord. She would help just about anyone that needed help, whether rich or poor. One day, renowned Cowboys quarterback, Roger Staubach, stopped by her house to ask for directions to a friend’s house in Onancock. She didn’t know who he was, but every time his commercial came on, she made a point of saying, “He came by my house and asked for directions.” She welcomed anyone into her home with grace and love, always willing to lend a helping hand, whether they were famous or on their last leg.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Art Allen, of Accomac; sons, Leonard “Lenny” Allen (Tana), of Accomac, and David Allen, of Accomac; brother, Jimmy Johnson (Jackie), of Beaufort, N.C.; grandchildren, Colby Allen and Jackie Applegate; great-grandchild, Jasmine Applegate; several nieces and nephews including very special nieces, Edie Estelle and Audrey Smith; and her dear companion, her long-haired Chihuahua, Chico.
She was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Florence Johnson; a daughter, Annette Allen Cropper; and siblings, Betty Franzoso, Edith Halmuth, Junior Johnson, Tommy Johnson, and Kenny Johnson.
The funeral service for Anita was held Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, at Central Baptist Church, with Pastor Bo Helms officiating. A viewing and visitation was held at the church one hour prior to the service. A graveside service was conducted at the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hightstown, N.J., on Thursday, Oct. 24.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central Baptist Church, P.O. Box 338, Onley, VA 23418.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
