Born on July 30, 1980, in Louisville, Kentucky, Angel Alicia Allen was the youngest of five children (3 girls, 2 boys) and the only daughter born to David, Sr. and Phyllis Ann (Gordon) Allen. Angel will be remembered as a sweet, lively, strong, ambitious, bold, and resilient woman with an infectious smile and who loved her family fiercely.
Following the passing of her mother, Angel and David, Jr., moved to Newport News, VA, to join their other siblings, Robyn, Rhoda, and Jason where she attended Newport News Public Schools. In 1998, Angel graduated with the first ever graduating class from Woodside High School. During her high school career, she was introduced to her first set of wings, track! Angel loved running track and easily "dusted" anyone daring to challenge her, a trait she would later pass on to her children.
In August 2000, Angel happily welcomed her first born, Phylicia Raní Allen, fondly known as “Rhoda's Heartbeat,” to her blossoming family. To provide and care for her daughter, Angel joined the military and Phylicia was born once again in Rhoda's heart as her daughter. In January 2001 Angel enlisted in the United States Army as a Motor Transport Operator. During her five years of service, Angel completed two overseas assignments in Korea and Iraq. Angel was a proud and well decorated soldier, having received the following decorations, medals and citations: Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Angel participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom from March-December 2003 and January-October 2005. In January 2006, Angel was honorably discharged from active duty.
Angel was a lifelong learner. Upon returning home from her military stint, Angel spent time discovering her passions including cooking and welding. From 2006 to 2008, she enrolled in Culinary Art School to become a chef. Then in April 2009, Angel happily welcomed her second born, Valencia Ann Allen. Although Valencia was born an infant, she has continuously asked with both hands on her hips, "Was I ever a baby?” and immediately answered, “NO!" These two beautiful girls, Phylicia and Valencia, are the reflection of all that is good about our Angel. She lives on through them.
Angel loved children and what better way to enjoy children than as a childcare assistant. Angel loved teaching crafts at the Holy Tabernacle Christian Child Development Center. She especially loved teaching the alphabet and math, in both English and Spanish. Angel continuously developed new ideas and helped coordinate a graduation ceremony for children promoted to kindergarten.
With love of faith and a desire for spiritual growth, Angel was baptized at Holy Tabernacle Church of Deliverance on September 28, 2020. In her special, sweet, quiet way she loved to worship the Lord. Angel had a strong love for her family and loved gatherings where she’d prepare the best macaroni and cheese. She competed (and
usually won) at everything from foot races with her niece Crystal, Phase 10 card game, and catching her nephew Evan, off-guard as he walked around dark corners! Angel also enjoyed Deep thought-provoking conversations. Her nieces, Crystal Martin, and forever partner-in-crime, Danielle (Dani) Martin, would find any reason or no reason at all to laugh and laugh with Angel! Angel, Crystal, and Dani grew up, played, and interacted like sisters and David, Jr., was the leader of mischief!
On Saturday morning, November 13, 2021, just 12 minutes past midnight, our Angel was given her heavenly wings. Her essence will forever be with us. Although she’s gone, she leaves behind a beautiful legacy carried through the shared memories of her family and friends.
Angel’s life and legacy will be cherished by her daughters, Phylicia R. Allen, and Valencia A. Allen; sisters, Robyn M. Davis, Rhoda M. Gordon, Tanesha S. Allen, Lydia Cooper, and Christina Cooper; brothers, Jason L. Gordon, David Allen, Jr., Jamin D.M. Allen, Tyrone L. Allen, and Jerry Cooper; nieces, Crystal C. Martin, and Danielle B. Martin; and nephews, NeShaun I. Gordon, Joey L. Gordon, Jaylen L. Gordon, and Evan M.W. Davis; godchildren JaSenya Hardin and Jordani Harden and a host of cousins and friends. Preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis Ann (Gordon) Allen, father, David Allen, Sr., and niece Jasmine N. M. G
A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Holy Tabernacle Church of Deliverance, 14742 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA.
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