WHEREAS, Margaret C. Allen, a respected citizen and community volunteer from Newport News, died on February 11, 2010; and

WHEREAS, a native of Statesville, North Carolina, Margaret Allen was born on August 2, 1908, and lived in Newport News for more than 70 years; and

WHEREAS, a strong woman who believed in the value of education, Margaret Allen raised five children as a single parent after the untimely death of her beloved husband, John C. Allen, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Allen had the great joy and privilege to see all five of her children complete college at Hampton Institute; and

WHEREAS, a hardworking and valued employee, Margaret Allen worked for many years at the Newport News Department of Parks and Recreation and the VA Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Allen lived her faith through her actions and as a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church for more than 77 years, where she was a member of the Steward and Stewardess Boards, Missionary Society, and Committee of Concern; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Allen also found the time to volunteer in her community at the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, the PTAs of her children's schools, and the NNFCWC; and

WHEREAS, a recent recipient of the Lifelong Citizenship Award presented by the Newport News Department of Parks and Recreation, Margaret Allen was honored by the House of Representatives during the 1st session of the 110th Congress for her life accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Allen lived a long and productive life marked by service to her family, church, and community and leaves behind a legacy of love that will endure for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Allen will be fondly remembered for her kind and generous nature and greatly missed by her children, Marion A. Christian, John C. Allen III, Charles C. Allen, Beverly A. Henderson, and Lynne C. Allen, and their families; and her numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a respected citizen and outstanding Virginian, Margaret C. Allen; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Margaret C. Allen as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.