Virginia Viola Allen

Virginia Viola Allen age 96, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born in Colon, Panama on February 23, 1927 to the parents of Redvers Jeanmarie and Angelica Violeta Gill. She met David Edward Allen, Sr. while he was stationed in the U.S. Army in Panama and they later married. They were blessed with 7 children. Virginia was the first born of 10 children; Walter, Pauline, Luther, Stanley, Edwardo, Winston, Hugh, Marva and Guillermo.

Upon coming to the United States, the family resided in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Sergeant Allen was later reassigned to Ft. McNair in Washington, D.C. and shortly thereafter, he was deployed to Germany. Virginia often worked two (2) jobs and was still able to maintain her household in addition to being a very strict disciplinarian for her children. In 1962, the Allen Family relocated to San Antonio, Texas when David Sr. was reassigned to Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. While there, he was deployed to Vietnam twice, was wounded and returned with disabilities resulting in a medical retirement from the U.S. Army.

Virginia consistently strived to follow good Christian values, faith and encouraged her children to do the same. She was very empathetic and sympathetic and always took time to listen to everyone’s problems or concerns. She was a very forgiving person, always seeking to find good in everyone. Family was extremely important to her. She enjoyed being around her children, grandchildren, friends and participating in community events. She loved to travel, went on several trips to Europe, Caribbean Islands, Panama and domestic travels with several of her children.

Virginia’s first job was at St. Mary’s University, where she worked as a cook for several years. Later she worked at Astro bowling lanes as a cook then later worked as a cook at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas Bowling Alley for the next 18 years prior to retirement. She loved her jobs that afforded her the opportunity to meet numerous people and life-long friends. Virginia made many friends over the years either directly or through her children.

She always stressed the importance of education encouraging her children, grand-children and other neighborhood children to go to college. She supported Prairie View A&M University students where she and her friend, Doris Rucker often visited and she was known as “Big Mama Panama.” She thoroughly enjoyed cooking various Panamanian and American dishes for strangers, family, friends and community activities. She passed on some basic cooking skills to all 7 children.

In 2013 because of multiple health related problems, she moved into a local long-term care facility. She was very loving, kind and considerate person. Virginia was well respected and loved by residents and staff. She led a Rosary group of Catholic residents weekly at the facility and received communion. Bingo was her love. Twice weekly she looked forward to participating in bingo and other Oldies Music Activities conducted monthly.In 1984, her husband preceded her in death. Virginia leaves to mourn 7 children; Ricardo, Ivonne, Mario, David, Jr., Donna, George and Gary. Additionally, she leaves behind her grandchildren; Ricardo Jr., Andre, Brandy, Solonia, LaShonda, April, Carol, Nicole, Nicklas, David III, Desiree, Delaina, Jalisa, thirteen (13) great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn her living siblings; Luther, Stanley, Marva and Guillermo and their spouses; Celia, Rosa, Luisa, Everado, and Demaris in addition to a large number of nieces and nephews in Panama.

ROSARYTUESDAY, MARCH 28, 20236:30 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 MCCULLOUGH AVENUE

MASSWEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 202310:00 AMST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH3303 URBAN CREST DRIVE

Father Pat O’Brien will officiate. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Click here to live stream the service of Mrs. Virginia Viola Allen