Phyllis Hudgins Allen

Phyllis Hudgins Allen of Arden passed away Friday, April 4, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with heart disease.

She was the youngest of four daughters born to James Hobson and Floy Jackson Hudgins and was preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bob) Allen, father, mother, and sisters Doris H. Seymour and Lois H. Orr.

Phyllis graduated from Edneyville High School in 1951, following an outstanding academic and athletic career. She continued her education, earning a degree from Memorial Mission Hospital School of Nursing.

After a short stint at Mission, she served as head nurse for 13 years with the late Dr. Richard Nailing. She then rejoined Mission and enjoyed a 25-year career there, retiring in 1992.

While at Memorial Mission Hospital, she assisted on the team that performed the first open heart surgery in Asheville. She was supervisor of Operating Room nurses and later became nursing supervisor of the Surgery Outpatient Center. She enjoyed the friendship of many doctors, nurses, and patients during her long and illustrious career.

She is survived by sister, Sarah H. (Walter) Uhorchak of Hendersonville; stepchildren, Dick Allen of Arden and Susie Allen of Dallas, Tx; two step-grandchildren and four step-great grandchildren; nieces/nephews Eric (Janet) Orr, children and grandchildren, of Blowing Rock; Kathy Orr (Tommy) McSwain and children of Sanford; and the family of Gail Orr McKenzie, Birmingham, Ala.; and several cousins.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2014, at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with Dr. Gordon Elliott officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a make a donation to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC, 28731, in Phyllis' memory, or to the charity of your choice.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.