Hilda Allen

Hilda Dare McPhillips Allen, age 94, formerly of Prospect, VA, passed away peacefully at her home in Damascus VA during the early morning hours of Sunday, September 7, 2025.

She was born on March 25, 1931 to Edward and Otis Coleman McPhillips in Appomattox County VA and grew up in the Hixburg area of the county.

Hilda graduated from Pamplin High School in 1948 and went to work as a store clerk at Glenn Carson in Prospect. After this store closed, she moved to the store on the other side of the railroad tracks and worked full time for Hix-Carson as a clerk and store manager until the store was sold in 1988. Because she enjoyed working, when offered a part time opportunity at Discount Fabrics, she took it and remained with them until she was ready to retire.

She is survived by her daughter, Laurie Justus (Kevin), her pride and joy which is grandson, Jacob, her granddaughter, Tiffany and her husband’s grandchildren Cheryl, Tina, and Holly.

Preceding her to heaven were her parents, brother Watkins, husband Earl, all of her beloved aunts and uncles, and many close friends.

Hilda was a Christian and was an ordained Elder and member of Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church in Prospect. She taught Sunday School, served on various committees, sang in the choir, worked with the Presbyterian women on missions and projects, and volunteered her time and skills for church fundraisers and events.

She was a proud charter member and supporter of the Bag Lady Bingo Club, former treasurer for the Prospect Travel Aid fund and supported local or community events by giving her time, talents, finances, or physical work to help make them a success.

Hilda worked hard but was able to enjoy many things in life such as sewing, gardening, country music concerts, shopping at thrift stores, and Sunday afternoon trips with her best friends Lois Johnson and Elfrieda Kerns

Her life will be celebrated at Walker’s Presbyterian Church in Hixburg, VA on Sunday, September 28 at 3:00 PM with a memorial service to honor her life and share memories of her. After the service, there will be time for family to receive friends and spend time together in the church’s fellowship hall.

Hilda loved her family, friends, and community deeply and she didn’t mind working hard. Her character and the daily life she lived exemplified the love she had for God, community, family, and friends. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. Ms. Allen and her family are in the care of Garrett Funeral Home, 203 N. Shady Ave., Damascus, VA 24236; ph.#: 276-475-3631