Virginia Pearl Allen, 73, Remembered as Devoted Family Woman and Homemaker
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A life deeply rooted in West Virginia community and family has come to a close with the passing of Virginia Pearl Allen, 73, of Sutton, WV, who died Friday, January 30, 2026, at Monongalia General Hospital in Morgantown, WV. Allen’s passing marks the end of an era for a family that experienced both profound loss and enduring love, and leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her.
Early Life and Family History
Born on March 25, 1952, in Braxton County, WV, Virginia was the daughter of the late Russell and Eva Wimer McCartney. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the values of family and community. She married Claude Allen on August 17, 1968, beginning a partnership that, despite its eventual sorrow, was central to her life. Sadly, her husband preceded her in death.
The Allen family faced significant hardship, having already mourned the loss of six children – Larry, Charlie, Lisa, Rodney, Johnny, and Kevin Allen – and one brother, Howard McCartney, before Virginia’s passing. These losses undoubtedly shaped her perspective and deepened her commitment to cherishing the family she had left.
A Legacy of Love and Remembrance
Virginia Allen dedicated her life to her role as a homemaker, creating a nurturing and loving environment for her family. She found joy in simple pleasures, particularly listening to Bluegrass Music, and expressing her creativity through crochet and whittle work when her health allowed. Above all, she cherished her role as a grandmother.
She is survived by her son, Claude Allen, Jr. of Sutton, WV, who will carry on her legacy. Her memory will also live on through her three grandchildren – Kevin and Crissy Allen of Cleveland, OH, and Charles Allen of Clarksburg, WV – and one great-grandchild.
Virginia is also survived by her brother, Lawrence McCartney and his wife Sue of Braxton County, WV, and three sisters: Lois Pickens and her husband Billy and Juanita Goodwin both of GA, and Dorie Gregory and her husband Dave of Rock Cave, WV. She leaves behind a large network of nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly.
Funeral Arrangements and Memorial Contributions
Friends and family will gather to celebrate Virginia’s life on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 12 Noon until 1 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home in Sutton, WV. A funeral service will follow at 1 PM at the funeral home, after which she will be laid to rest in the Little Kanawha Memorial Gardens in Heaters, WV.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
