WS Chronicle

The descendants of the late Mack Allen and Mary Hunter Allen Wilson enjoyed a two-day reunion over the weekend. The last Allen family reunion was held more than 35 years ago.

At the urging of Mary Allen Wilson, the 94-year-old family matriarch, a family tree is being constructed. There were many family members living in the same city who did not know one another; hence, the idea for a union and reunion. Planning began in 2012 at the urging of Olivia Allen. Committee members Phyllis Allen, Debra Allen Pankey, Latoya Allen and Maria Davis-Hill worked to make it happen. Family members from Alabama, Georgia, Michigan and North Carolina descended on Winston-Salem for the gathering.

Facing the unpleasant news of power outages at Walnut Hall at Tanglewood Park, the family sought ways to cope with the situation. Through prayer and the hard work of power crews, electricity was restored and the reunion took off. Latoya Allen, Lionel Allen and Beverly Ingram were the lunch and dinner chefs. The group enjoyed a scavenger hunt to learn interesting facts about family members. Prizes were awarded to those with the most correct answers.

The family also enjoyed basketball, badminton and pedal boating. The four living children of Mack and Mary were present: Albert, Barbara, Miller (Alice) and Sarah (Julius-deceased). Five generations were represented, ranging from age two-months-old to 75.

Father’s Day Weekend made the event extra special for Albert and his daughter Beverly, who had not seen her father since she was 12-years-old. Albert is the caregiver for his mother, Mary Allen Wilson, who was not able to travel to the reunion.

On Sunday, the family enjoyed a spirited service at Mount Sinai Full Gospel Deliverance Center. The message, “Men Who Make a Difference,” was delivered by Rev. Yvonne H. Hines. The family had dinner in the fellowship hall. Chante Taylor and Phebe Pankey designed the reunion t-shirt. Plans are being formulated for the next reunion in Michigan.