Margie Eloise Ramsey Allen made her transition, in her home, with her family present on Wednesday, June 16th. She was born to Stanley A. Ramsey and (Ollie) Velma Fitzgerald, both of Montebello, VA on April 21st, 1934. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, George H. Allen, and her brother, Kenneth W. Ramsey, of Vesuvius, VA. She has three daughters; Brenda Allen Sistrom (husband Chris Sistrom) living in Gainesville, FL, Becky Allen, living in Goochland, VA, and Holly Allen, mother of her beloved grandson, Elijah, living in Stuarts Draft, VA. She has many cherished extended family members, including cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Eloise grew up in Vesuvius where she attended Vesuvius Baptist Church, went to school, and graduated from Spottswood High School. She married George, and they moved to the Rivermont community in Stuarts Draft, where they lived for 8 years before moving to Stuarts Draft proper, for the next 56 years. Eloise tended to her family first and foremost, while also tending for others throughout her life. She was socially active, spearheading a successful campaign to raise money for paving the street’s dirt road upon which they lived in Rivermont. Her first job was caring for the home and family of a friend with children. Eloise also was a Teacher’s Aide, a member of the Stuarts Draft Women’s Club, and sang in the choir at Vesuvius Baptist Church.
Later she attended classes to update her typing skills and learn basic computer skills, after which she was hired by Staunton Wrecking as an Office Manager. She went from that job to the Staunton Mall’s coffee shop, the Chippery, where she became well-known and much-loved by her regular customers as well as fellow mall employees. Her last two jobs were in-home care for elderly women, both adored her as she adored them. Through it all Eloise has been a champion walker, striding forcefully around on the streets of Stuarts Draft, a presence so familiar and commanding she came to be known as The Mayor of Stuarts Draft. Eloise never met a stranger and always had an open heart and listening ear for those seeking comfort or wisdom, or just a loving embrace. She had the ability to see both sides of a question, often playing the Devil’s Advocate in order to draw someone to the bigger picture. One of Eloise’s great skills was being able to manage the family finances. Together, she and George provided a comfortable and loving home for their family. Much like the story of Loaves and Fishes, Eloise could take a dollar and turn it into money to share where ever her heart led.
She took great comfort in her Stuarts Draft Baptist Church family. In recent years Eloise’s inner circle of beloved friends and relatives dwindled considerably and she never stopped thinking of them and missing them. Her family is thankful that she is reunited with them.
The family wishes to thank all who have been loving and supportive through this difficult time, and most especially her caretaker, Teresa Jones.
There will be a Celebration of Life service held at her church, Stuarts Draft Baptist, on Saturday, June 19th, at 2PM
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you ”Pay it Forward” - - commit random acts of kindness to others, compliment a stranger, put some money where your heart leads you; donate to your local food bank, Habitat for Humanity, her church, a charity for animals, and last but not least, the Hospice of the Piedmont.
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