Ollie Signora Allen

Ollie Signora Allen, 88, of Maybeury, West Virginia, departed this life on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Princeton Community Hospital surrounded by her loving family, following a brief illness. Ollie S. Allen was born July 10, 1934, in Welch, WV to the late Robert H. and Minnie Bogle Watkins. Ollie was educated in the McDowell County public school system and was a graduate of Elkhorn High School. Ollie was baptized at an early age at Upland Baptist Church. Upon graduating, she moved to Seattle, Washington. She lived in Jersey City, NJ, and Cleveland, OH before returning to West Virginia. Ollie was one the first female coal miners in West Virginia to work underground. She worked in the coal mines from December 6, 1977, until June 30, 2003.  After retiring from the coal mine, Ollie enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, shopping, and watching her favorite soap operas, Another World, Peyton Place, and Young and the Restless.

Ollie was predeceased by her husband Charles Allen, and daughter Laverne Watkins Greer. Stepson Charles Allen Jr. Brothers Mose, Talford, Willie, Robert Jr, Ralph, Authur Lee, Paul, and Donald Watkins. Sisters, Sarah, Bertha, and Othelia. Special son Jerrod Ivy.

Ollie leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Renita Hairston of the home, who was her devoted caregiver. Her sons Jerome (Fatema) Watkins of Niagara Falls, NY, Daughters Debra Hale of Kernersville, NC, and Tina (Reginald) Young of Bluefield, WV, and her youngest son whom she always referred to as her baby, Darrell (Keisha) Allen of Charlotte, NC, Terrell Watkins of Maybeury, WV, and daughter Aaliyah Hairston of Princeton, WV. Thomas Watkins of Montgomery, WV, Gary Watkins of Green Valley, WV, Robert Watkins of Charleston, SC, and Denise Holman of Niagara Falls. Two sister-in-law’s Edith Allen, of Warrington, VA, and Julia Allen of Columbus, Ohio. Brother-in-law Walter Allen of Roanoke, VA.

Ollie leaves 17 grandchildren whom she adored with all her heart. Nikki, Tyeisha, Latoya, A’ Tiya, Tina, Teianna, and Danaija. Jeremy, Tremond, Durelle, Jerome Jr, Marquise, David, Johnathon, Jamal, Steven, and Sterling. She had 30 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Her lifetime friend and shopping partner Mrs.  Odessa Lipscomb. Other special friends Raymond and Toni Lee, Brenda Powell, and Carolyn Wheeler.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 12:00 Noon at the Upland Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the time of service.  

Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park on Route 20, Bluefield, WV. The family will receive guests at the repast which be held immediately following the burial at 102 B ST Princeton, WV.

When we lose a loved one

Our world just falls apart

We think that we can’t carry on

With this broken heart

Everything is different now

You’re upset and you’re annoyed

Your world it seems is shattered

There's such an awful void

There’s got to be a reason

And we have to understand

God made us and at any time

He’ll reach down for our hand

There might not be a warning

We won’t know where or when

The only thing we’re certain of

Is we’ll meet them once again

Processional Selection…………………………………………………………………………………………...Patricia Smith

Officiate (program overseer) ………………………………………………………………………… Pastor Dane Moore

Old Testament…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...Rev David Cooper

New Testament…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...Rev Jerome Powell

Prayer- Comfort……………………………………………………………………………………………………Rev George Masterson

Selection…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Takisha Bland

Acknowledgments…………………………………………………………………………………………………Anita Hairston

(Cards Condolence)-Obituary (read silently)

Tribute (2 min limit)- Michael Winebush

Selection- Thomasina Jones

Eulogy- Rev. James C. Green, Pastor of LCB Church  

Selection- Lakisha Bland

Recessional- Cravens-Shires

Pallbearers- Grandsons

Flower bearers- Granddaughters

Interment

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all those who have supported us through, your prayers, your presence, phone calls, and your time during this time of sorrow.

Sincerely, The Allen/Watkins family

Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the family.