Betty L. Allen

Betty was preceded in death by her husband William “Leo” Allen, newborn daughter Alda Irene; her parents, Virgil Vernon and Eula Marie Hammett, and sister, Carol Foster.

Betty was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 24, 1939. Betty’s family moved from Alabama to Portsmouth, Virginia when she was one. She was one of three sisters fondly called by themselves and others as A, B, and C (Ann, Betty, and Carol). As the middle child, Betty was generally laid back and an encouragement to both her family and others.

Betty was introduced to “Leo” by a friend on a blind date and they would later elope in the middle of her Senior year of high school. Together, they raised four children while serving in the U.S. Air Force. They lived together in six states and Guam before returning to Virginia after 20+ years of service. Betty devoted her life to her family but after the kids began leaving the home, she signed up to be an Avon Sales Representative. She loved the conversations and friendships that were a part of her many years of door-to-door sales. Betty’s relationship with Jesus was a significant part of her life, and she prayed for and encouraged others in their faith through the years. Betty was very giving and welcoming of everyone, whether she just met you or had been a part of your life for many years; she was always there for you. Betty also loved music, both gospel and country, especially the Gaithers. She sang alto in the church choir, and when she no longer remembered who she was with or where she was, she remembered the songs and sang them to all who would listen. She was often referred to as “Songbird” by some of the staff at The Hidenwood Retirement Community where she resided during the last few years of her life.

Betty is survived by four children, Beth Bustin (Ron) and Teresa Ferry (Greg), both of Hampton; Robert Allen (Tina) of Williamsburg; Michael Allen of Gloucester; sister Anne Ratliff; grandchildren Michelle Armbrust (Brian); Jeremy Bustin; Rebekah Pennington (Jeff); Adam Ferry (Erika); Travis Ferry (Tai); Justin Ferry (Heather); Jeffery Allen; Trevor Ferry (Elaina); Dylan Girvin; Chris Cook; Ryan Cook (Nina); Caitlin Cook; Alyssa McClean (Caleb); and Brooke Allen; 14 great-grandchildren; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at The Hidenwood for their compassion and care for their “mom/me-maw”. They are also thankful for the blessing of having family members (Caitlin and Chris) working on the “inside” especially when the family was unable to visit at the peak of Covid.

The family will receive friends at a Visitation on Friday, December 2nd from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home (2551 Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA). A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 3rd at Liberty Christian Fellowship (3406 Jackson Street, Portsmouth, VA).